Resident Assistant Job Description

Resident Assistants in College Housing

A great way to save money and build personal and professional skills is to become a resident assistant in college. Most RAs get free or discounted housing in exchange for taking on the role of monitoring and supporting undergraduates in college campus housing, such as a dormitory. In 2016 nearly 11,000 students were employed as registered advisers at colleges, universities and professional schools at an average wage of over $30,000 per year.

Living where you work also means little to no separation between the two, which can be especially taxing when you're juggling your own schoolwork and adjusting to college life. Most RAs have designated work hours, but there will be plenty of times when you will have to deal with unexpected issues that will interrupt your free time. On a weekly basis, that could include anything from comforting a homesick freshman to helping a student with a mental health crisis.

Sims says that it is important to make sure that you are willing to give your all and that you really want to do it. You have to be aware of unexpected situations. You become the FBI in order to avoid issues later.

You get to have fun while meeting other students. It can be difficult to enforce the rules for residents who may be close to your own age. Disciplining your peers can be awkward and won't earn you any cool points.

The Residential Assistant Position in the Residence Halls

The resident assistant position is focused on enhancing the quality of life in the residence halls, including fostering community, providing academic support, and being attentive to safety and security of residents. The position requires a person who is flexible enough to assume a variety of roles as the needs of students change. It is important that an individual is able to relate to others and handle administrative responsibilities. The RA is more than just a friendly presence, they are the link in creating an environment in which students can live together and develop independence.

Resident Assistants in Assisted Living Facilities

Long-term care programs for adults are called assisted living facilities. A resident assistant helps clients with their everyday needs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the median income of personal care aides working in assisted living for the elderly and continuing care retirement communities was $22,860 in the year of 2016

Resident assistants work in assisted living facilities. Facilities can be part of nursing homes and retirement communities. Resident assistants can work full- or part-time during regular business hours.

Since assisted living facilities provide 24 hour care to residents, some resident assistants may need to be flexible and able to work on holidays or weekends if additional coverage is needed. The main responsibility of a resident assistant is to assist residents. They help residents with daily living, which might include using the toilet, bathing and washing, dressing, cooking, serving food and collecting food trays.

They help with other tasks. They might help residents with limited mobility by helping them walk or use wheelchairs. They can perform administrative tasks such as answering phones and greeting visitors.

A physically demanding job as a resident assistant in an assisted living facility can be difficult. You will need to help and transport residents and be involved with them. You will need to be friendly, patient and compassionate when dealing with residents who might not be used to living in an assisted living facility.

Resume Writing for Resident Assistants

Your resume is an important part of your career. A Resident Assistant is responsible for running the facility. Resident assistants need to be natural leaders, organized and self-starting.

They must have good communication skills. A resume is a must for a potential employer to find the best candidate. Your resume will show your education and work experience.

It is important to match your qualifications to the requirements for the job. Powerful language is what helps your application stand out. When describing your previous jobs, use a professional tone.

Employers are more likely to pick a candidate with a concise resume. Proper structure and grammar are important for a strong resume. Some candidates have more credentials than others.

Credentials are only one factor that can determine if you will be selected for an interview. Employers look for many other things when hiring. Consistency in your resume and previous roles are what employers look for.

Is Being an RA Worth It?

Is being a resident assistant worth it? If you don't think you have enough time to be an RA, it may not be worth the effort. If you are unsure about whether or not you will be able to handle the time commitment with your workload, it is worth talking to a current RA who is in your major program of study.

What is the difference between a resident assistant and a CNA? Resident assistants don't necessarily have any advanced training or certification like certified nursing assistants. It is not allowed for the RA to date their residents in most schools.

Relationships between students who don't live in the building and the RAs are frowned upon. Some facilities call their nursing assistants resident assistants. Unlike certified nursing assistants who complete a course of study and pass a certification test, resident assistants don't necessarily have any advanced training.