RA Application Do you understand that for the first five weeks of the first trimester, a heavy investment of your time is required in the Hall?

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1 RA Application 2016 General Information: Applications are now open for RA positions at Weir House. Weir House is managed by Victoria University of Wellington and is a Hall of Residence providing first year catered accommodation. Successful RAs are active and supportive team members who are competent, courteous, credible, reliable, responsive and good communicators. Things to think about before applying: The role that the RAs play in the life of the hall is crucial as it has such a strong influence on the quality of the living environment. If RAs carry out their roles effectively and work together as a team, the enjoyment residents get from living in the Hall is greatly enhanced. As such, RAs fulfil a pivotal role in the operation of the Hall and for that reason we are looking to recruit students who are passionate about community living. Questions to ask yourself: Are you a people person who communicates well with a diverse range of students and truly enjoys meeting and approaching new people and making them feel at ease? Are you looking forward to actively working on average at least 15 hours a week, some weeks will involve more participation than others? Are you prepared to learn how to perform a range of basic practical activities such as office work, moving furniture when required, setting up the meeting room as directed, changing light bulbs, cleaning up vomit? Do you understand that for the first five weeks of the first trimester, a heavy investment of your time is required in the Hall? Do you enjoy living with lots of other people and coping with the noise that accompanies large groups? Are you committed to turn up for your on duty shift, enthusiastic and proactive to address tasks that need to be undertaken including organizing fun events for residents? Are you a can do attitude person, not a why person? Do you understand that this is a real job and not simply a means of acquiring free board? Are you able to commit to working 4pm until midnight on ball night even though you are not on blue/red duty? You will be required to work BBQ Day & Open Day as well. Are you prepared to commit to those days as part of your employment conditions?

2 An information evening will take place at Weir House on Thursday 13th August at 6 p.m. If you are interested in applying, you would be required to provide us with a written application by Friday, 28th August, 2015 (5 p.m.). Applications can be delivered to our physical address or ed direct to marie.wilson@vuw.ac.nz Your application should include: Your cover letter Your Curriculum Vitae Names and contact details of two referees who can be contacted Information about any relevant life or work experience and any plans you may have for next year e.g. academic courses, paid employment, or other activities that might be effected by becoming a Residential Advisor. Please note: RA s are required to begin work on Tuesday 26th January 2016 at 1 p.m. You will be able to move into the Hall on Tuesday 26th January You will be expected to work on the 12th November 2016 and attend a staff dinner in the evening. Arrangements will be made for flat inspections and departure on Monday 14th November This may effect some of you who are planning overseas holidays or who are doing summer papers. You are required to be available for all RA training. Unfortunately this is not negotiable as it is very important that we have the team together from day one and everyone getting the same information. Please ensure that you read through the role description to give you an idea of the expectations of the role and the necessary skill set required to fulfil the position.

3 Role Description Position Title: Position Location: Residential Advisor Weir House, Gladstone Terrace, Kelburn The Residential Advisors must work in the best interests of the University including its community of students and staff. The Residential Assistant must also assist the University to meet its mission, and strive to behave in a manner that reinforces the University s values. OUR MISSION We play a leading role in shaping New Zealand s future by: Adding significantly to the knowledge and understanding of natural phenomena, society, culture and technology through research, teaching, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Engaging with local, national and international communities in creating, disseminating and applying knowledge that has scholarly or societal impact. Developing graduates with skills in leadership, communication, and critical and creative thinking. WE VALUE Our values guide and inform our strategic goals, policy and practice. They are the principles behind our actions, a means of creating and sustaining an environment of trust and mutual understanding. Academic freedom: We protect academic freedom and defend the autonomy of Victoria University of Wellington. Excellence in all of our activities: We are committed to developing and recognising excellence in research, creative activity, scholarship, teaching and learning and administration. Knowledge and expertise: We strive to advance pure and applied knowledge and expertise, and to disseminate both through teaching and research. The Treaty of Waitangi: We are committed to using the Treaty to guide our obligations to Māori as tangata whenua and Treaty partners. Internationalisation: We are committed to our participation in the international community of scholars and to the pursuit of a global perspective in our learning, teaching, research and services. Accountability: We effectively manage and account for our resources and apply them to the maximum benefit of Victoria. Honesty and respect: We require ethical behaviour in all our activities and interactions. Equity: We are committed to equity of opportunity for all our staff and students. A strong university community: We encourage the active participation and contribution of academic and general staff, students, alumni, benefactors and friends in the life of the university. Community engagement: We seek active engagement with the communities we serve and value the benefits we bring to each other. Sustainability: We strive for an environmentally sustainable university and society. Purpose of the Organisational Unit The Hall will provide quality residential accommodation that is conducive to academic success, for students from around New Zealand and overseas.

4 2 Role Purpose and Scope Residential Advisors (RAs) are appointed to assist the Head of Hall in the Hall. RAs take a full and active part in the life of the community and act as role models for residents. They are required to assist in mentoring, monitoring behaviour, arranging activities and creating learning opportunities for residents to develop academically and socially. Each RA will be allocated a group of residents and take particular responsibility for ensuring they are aware of the operation of the hall and the support available. Residential Advisors will work a weekly roster each week including weekends, evenings and university breaks Key Result Areas 1. Academic: Support the academic endeavours of residents in their studies at the University. a. Supervise residents behaviour, to ensure that conditions for study are maintained. b. Be familiar with residents academic progress. c. Maintain an awareness of major assessment demands and when required refer students to appropriate help. 2. Social: Engender a sense of belonging, community and reciprocal responsibility amongst the residents. a. Ensure new residents feel welcome on arrival and organise activities to assist residents in fostering community development. b. Ensure residents are aware of the operation of the hall and the support available to them. c. Encourage residents participation in regular floor and hall social, cultural and sporting events. d. Ensure that the justification for the hall rules and the reasons for decisions made by residential and management staff are understood. e. Respect the privacy of residents. f. Be a positive role model for residents. 3. Organisational: Contribute towards the development and maintenance of routines, to ensure the ordered life of the hall. a. Be on duty and available to residents according to the roster. On duty tasks include the following: Answering general enquiries from residents and non-residents. Attending to administrative tasks such as recording loan equipment, leaving phone messages and writing newsletters and promotional materials. Ensuring visitors are accompanied by residents and monitoring residents and guests alcohol on entrance. Scheduled duty rounds to check and deal with safety and behavioural issues of residents and their guests. b. Uphold the rules and community standards of the Hall. c. File incident and maintenance reports as needed. d. Keep up to date with daily reports and regularly with the Head of Hall and other residential staff. e. Support residential staff and liaise between residents and staff and vice versa.

5 3 When not on duty, general tasks to further facilitate community are expected from time to time. These tasks include greeting new residents, showing prospective residents around the hall, promoting and attending hall and interhall events. 4. Physical: RAs are to help facilitate the physical safety and well-being of residents in the hall. a. Promote safety (eg. fire escape doors being kept closed, ensuring the evacuation box is fully equipped). b. Be a Fire Warden as part of the Fire and Emergency Evacuation system. c. Prevent ill-advised behaviour amongst residents that would risk the safety of others. d. Deal with unforeseen hazards that threaten physical safety of well-being and report damage. e. Keep the Head of Hall informed of illness and administer first aid or arrange for medical attention if required. f. Ensure reasonable standards of cleanliness are maintained in the common areas. g. Each year complete the University s e-learning module Health & Safety at Victoria, including the assessment. h. Be able to demonstrate actions in an emergency situation that are specific to the workplace and are designed to keep individual safe. 5. Emotional: RAs are to help ensure that the hall is an emotionally healthy environment. a. Take on an active role in managing residents behaviour. b. Be available to offer basic advice and support to residents on their concerns and/or grievances. c. Ensure students who display behaviours of concern are referred to the appropriate services. d. Be sensitive to the symptoms of distress/stress in residents so that crises are averted. e. Mediate between residents and, if appropriate, between residential staff and residents. f. Encourage residents to find socially acceptable ways of expressing and releasing their emotions. g. Ensure that residents from minority cultures are respected and appreciated. 6. Other: RAs are to aid the Head of Hall in other tasks involved in the general running of the hall from time to time. a. Help out with the running of the office occasionally. b. Perform other duties as required, particularly where the Head of Hall delegate specific tasks. c. Take a full and active part in the life of the Hall, including eating meals and sleeping in the hall and interacting with assigned residents on at least a weekly basis. d. To work full time on the Hall Ball day, BBQ Day and Study at Vic day and other Hall events as set by the Head of Hall. e. To attend all Hall events including Interhall events, functions and weekly staff meetings. Key Challenges Students from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and countries need to be assisted to settle into a new city, a new home and a new academic environment. Time management balancing the requirements of the job, the demands of residents, your study requirements and personal time. Being seen as management by your peer group maintaining good relationships/friendships with residents while also having to take control on occasions. Dealing with negative behaviour, often induced by alcohol use. Acknowledging and accepting different ways of doing things.

6 4 Key Relationships RAs report to the Head of Hall and are expected to develop and maintain relationships with: Residents Other hall staff Contractors and trades people Accommodation Service staff Other Halls of Residence staff Other VUW staff Neighbours Key Competencies CUSTOMER FOCUS competency understand and believe in the importance of customer service. They listen to and understand the needs of internal and external customers. They meet and exceed customer needs to ensure satisfaction. SELF MANAGEMENT competency effectively plan and organise their work to achieve desired outcomes. They are proactive, remain focused, take action to overcome obstacles and follow through to completion. INTEGRITY competency are open, honest and consistent in behaviour and can be relied upon. They generate confidence in others through their professional and ethical behaviour. INNOVATION competency question the way things are done, learn from past mistakes and generate new and creative ideas to improve the status quo. CORE COMPETENCIES Demonstrates the importance of customer service by giving residents needs top priority. Proactively manages the customer relationship, ensuring residents are kept upto-date. Deals effectively with residents by displaying a professional, courteous, and empathetic approach. Continuously looks for better ways to meet or exceed residents expectations. Considers Maori and multicultural issues when delivering and developing customer services. Takes personal responsibility for making things happen. Identifies, allocates and manages time and resources required to achieve outcomes. Perseveres in the face of adversity and resistance, with a can do attitude. Successfully adapts to changing demands and conditions. Remains calm and is able to continue with the primary task and work effectively when faced with heightened levels of pressure/stress. Sets and maintains high professional standards. Deals with others in a respectful and fair way. Follows established organisational policies and procedures. Displays a positive attitude towards and is receptive to Maori and multicultural issues. Does not use information or their position for personal gain. Proactively assesses own work patterns in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Thinks in terms of opportunities and possibilities. Looks to make improvements and is willing to challenge that s the way it s always been done mentality. Encourages the discussion, free-debate and generation of creative ideas and solutions. Builds on ideas suggested by others to develop new solutions.

7 5 COMMUNICATION competency effectively communicate with a wide range of people in all situations, both orally and in writing. TEAMWORK competency show a genuine intention to work co-operatively with others in a team setting in order to achieve results and team goals. RELATIONSHIP BUILDING competency are concerned with building and maintaining positive working relationships and networks useful to achieving the organisations objectives. ROLE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES Demonstrates effective listening skills. Communicates key points clearly and concisely. Uses non-discriminatory language. Reinforces key messages to ensure the correct message is received. Demonstrates understanding of cultural differences in regard to communication. Effectively facilitates meetings to achieve goals and maintain group cohesiveness. Contributes to and supports team activities. Accepts share of workload, to help others and the team. Demonstrates respect towards all other team members. Participates effectively in group discussions and activities and encourages others to do the same. Shares ideas/information, resources, and experience with team members. Supports team values and decisions, and models expected behaviours. Is open minded, listens to others points of view. Balances personal objectives with those of the team. Actively participates in the development of team values, goals and performance standards. Advocates and compromises where necessary, to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution. Encourages the positive resolution of conflict within the team. Displays an awareness of, and sensitivity to, the group dynamics. Builds and maintains appropriate productive relationships or networks of contact. Builds and sustains appropriate positive and productive working relationships. Creates and sustains an appropriate image and profile of the area of work. Demonstrates an acceptance of and sensitivity towards different people and cultures. Consistently presents well in different social settings, such as to public, media and to staff (public face of the organisation). Education, Experience & Knowledge Required Minimum of 2 years successful tertiary study is desirable. Proven knowledge of the tertiary sector in general and ideally VUW environment in particular. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Experience of working or living with people from other cultures is desirable. Ability to demonstrate leadership skills. Special Role Requirements Residential Advisors are required to work full time for the first five weeks. This will include two days first aid training if they do not already hold a current First Aid certificate. RAs are required to live in the Hall and be full participants in the life of the Hall. RAs are required to be VUW students throughout their tenure of this position. Successful applicants are required to have a successful police vetting as a condition of their employment.

8 6 FURTHER INFORMATION Professional Conduct RAs are expected to maintain high standards of personal conduct at all times. In addition, RAs are also expected to maintain a high level of professionalism in their role. Below are behaviours expected of RAs: RAs are not permitted to drink alcohol when on duty. RAs are not permitted to be intoxicated in the hall premises. This includes not returning drunk if you have been drinking off site. RAs are not permitted to take payment from residents for any service they provide within or beyond the scope of their duties. RAs are permitted to have only platonic relationships with residents and other RAs. RAs are to exercise discretion with private or commercially sensitive information that has come to their knowledge in the course of their job. Performance Criteria The position of Resident Assistant is being performed well when: 1. The RA has the respect of the Head of Hall, staff and residents. 2. In the area the RA shares responsibility for: a. Residents feel at home and secure. b. There are clearly recognised standards of: acceptable noise. tidiness in common areas. cleanliness in bathrooms. Respect for space and property of others. c. The accepted procedures for infringements of these standards and Hall rules are followed. d. Matters affecting the welfare of residents are reported promptly. e. Items requiring maintenance are reported promptly. 3. The Hall is cohesive and functioning well. 4. Duty periods are given priority by the RA and done with few or no lapses in the tasks specified. 5. The RA is performing his/her share of the residential staff duties. 6. Incident reports are prompt and provide the information necessary for follow up. 7. The sanctions recommended for infringements are in proportion to the seriousness of the infraction. 8. The RA is a good role model for residents in all significant respects. 9. The RA supports the decisions of the Head of Hall. 10. The RA supports other residential staff, has their confidence and gets on well with the whole team. 11. The RA supports hall activities.

9 7 EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS SCHEDULE: IEA POSITION TITLE: RESIDENTIAL ADVISOR In the event that you are successful in your application for the position, you will be offered an Individual Employment Agreement. The table below describes the core employment conditions that are attached to the position you are applying for. Core Employment Conditions Tenure VUW Individual Employment Agreement Fixed Term Hours 15 per week Total Remuneration Range (pro-rata) $37, p.a. ($18.12 per hour) Standard holiday provisions (pro rata) 4 weeks annual leave University Holidays No