Residential Counselor

Position Overview

Residential Counselors (RCs) supervise the summer residential experience for the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies (SPCS) programs and Stanford Online High School Summer @ Stanford (S@S) programs to assure a safe, enjoyable experience for all participants.

RCs live on campus, serve as role models for participants, supervise participants and are responsible for elevating any concerns that require further intervention to their supervisors. In cooperation with other staff, RCs support and lead recreational, social, and educational activities during the afternoons, evenings, and weekends.

During the Stanford Summer Humanities Institute (SHI) and the Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC), RCs also serve as Teaching Assistants (TAs) for courses affiliated with their respective programs. Given the academic rigor and the residential staff’s responsibility in fostering an intellectual community, RCs must have subject-area knowledge to be eligible for the role. Some S@S High School RCs will also serve as TAs for science courses (i.e., biology, chemistry, and physics); and must have the appropriate subject-area knowledge.

The RC would benefit from having a three and a half day in person onboarding plan in addition to approximately 5-10 hours of virtual asynchronous work. This plan would cover pre-program meetings, trainings, and necessary administrative work to be completed before the arrival of participants in residence.

Position Responsibilities

  • Responsible for the safety and supervision of the minors assigned to their residence hall floor and course (if applicable); up to 105 within each session of the Summer Humanities Institute, up to 45 within the Stanford University Mathematics Camp, and up to 210 within Summer @ Stanford High School and Summer @ Stanford Middle School.
  • Addressing a range of minor-aged participant needs and taking appropriate action when participants are sick, injured, or in crisis.
  • Establishing community norms and ground rules; enforcing policies and documenting policy violations to keep all participants and staff safe.
  • If applicable, supporting SHI or SUMaC as a program Teaching Assistant (TA), mentoring a small group of participants on their coursework during the program, attending class, and supporting the academic goals of the program.
  • Planning and leading nightly hall meetings in the residence.
  • Assuring the well-being of participants by helping them physically navigate campus and off campus locations; complete community walks of multi-story buildings to conduct wellness checks and complete nightly room checks for all participants.
  • Maintaining a strong presence within the program - role modeling positive behavior, attending program events, and building relationships with the residential staff and participants.
  • Attending weekend field trips and excursions with participants to ensure their safety and well-being; ensuring activities are safe and accessible to all participants.
  • Guiding participants in educational initiatives centered around topics such as individual development, wellness, community engagement, and inclusion; leading and participating in recreational and social activities.
  • Ensuring that all programs and activities are accessible, inclusive, equitable, and contribute to participant’s sense of belonging and safety. Lead and actively engage in programs to cultivate a sense of belonging and bring participants together.
  • Creating programs for each Residential Core Competency (Identity Establishment, Relationship and Life skill development, Diversity and Inclusion, and Transition) for their floor. Supporting scheduled arrival and departure days and the logistical preparation for each day.
  • Being a good steward of program resources, including ensuring that all supplies are properly stored and returned at the end of the program, and that the residence is consistently clean and well maintained.
  • Managing administrative tasks, including but not limited to: rosters, keys, delivering mail to their participants, check in and check out sheets, purchasing, and event logistics.
  • Ensuring that participants and staff adhere to all applicable policies at all times, including the Administrative Guide Memo, program policies, the SPCS Code of Conduct, and the Protection of Minors policy.

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

  • College-level coursework; completion of approximately 30 degree-seeking credits (any subjects) or more. If applying to support SHI, multiple humanities and/or writing classes; if applying to support SUMaC, majoring in mathematics.
  • Creative and positive attitude, including an enthusiasm for working with high school students.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive tasks with multiple deadlines and frequent interruptions. Including responding to crisis situations throughout the day and night.
  • Ability to act responsibly, demonstrate leadership, build teams, enforce policies, solve problems, make good decisions, and mediate conflict.
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong work ethic and acumen for patiently responding to potential crises, including physical and mental health.
  • Experience with, and interest in, administrative responsibilities.
  • Ideas to create at least four programs for each session, door decorations, and bulletin boards.

Additionally, you will preferably bring:

  • Summer camp/program experience or experience working with students ages 12-17, preferably with Stanford Online High School, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies, or a similar program.
  • Resident Assistant experience, or other residential leadership experience.

Notes

  • The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
  • Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  All candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. International students are encouraged to consult with their International Student Office to ensure they have the appropriate Visa to work with another program and/or University before applying.
  • All candidates must be located in the U.S. during all work hours.
  • All Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies (SPCS) staff are expected to follow university guidelines as outlined in the Stanford Administrative Guide. Of significant note are the university’s Controlled Substances and Alcohol policy for all Stanford employees as well as the policy for youth-designated buildings.
  • All employees may be subject to Stanford’s travel policy, if relocating from outside of California and are expected to perform work on-site. Please also note that you will be subject to all COVID-19 requirements for Stanford employees.

Compensation

The compensation for the Residential Counselor position is $22.19 per hour plus housing and meals, valued at approximately $827.05 per week, free of charge. Hourly pay is taxable income. This is a temporary, non-exempt, full-time residential position averaging 50 hours per week with the possibility of additional hours during big events such as Arrival Day.

Apply

Complete the application and submit your resume and cover letter.

We will continue to review applications and extend interview invitations on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

Job type
Residential
Time of Year
Summer
Housing
On Campus
Program
Stanford Summer Humanities Institute
Stanford University Mathematics Camp
Stanford Online High School Summer Program