Residential Advisor

Overview

The Residential Advisor (RA) supports the social, emotional, and academic well-being of students within the boarding community. RAs serve as frontline mentors and role models, contributing to a safe, inclusive, and structured residential environment. Through consistent supervision, relationship-building, and collaboration with Dorm Parents and the Residential Life Team, RAs help promote accountability, positive decision-making, and community engagement among students. Residential Advisors play a vital role in daily residential operations and student support, ensuring that EF Academy's boarding values are lived and experienced by students every day.

Professional Qualifications and Qualities

• Experience working with adolescents in educational, residential, camp, or caregiving environments.
• Interest in student well-being, mentorship, and community building.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to a positive, inclusive boarding environment and comfort working with a diverse, international student population.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts and follow guidance from senior residential staff.
• Valid driver's license and ability to safely operate Academy vehicles, including passenger vans, as needed.

Key Role Responsibilities

Student Support & Supervision

• Supervise boarding students in assigned residence halls and support daily routines, including check-ins, study halls, curfews, and weekend coverage.
• Monitor student behavior and well-being, reporting concerns through Orah and supervising staff.
• Respond appropriately to student needs, emergencies, and medical situations as directed.
• Reinforce residential policies, expectations, and community standards consistently and professionally.

Community & Relationship Building

• Build positive, respectful relationships with students and serve as a point of contact during assigned duty hours.
• Foster an inclusive, supportive residential community and encourage positive peer interactions and healthy conflict resolution.
• Support hall meetings, residential activities, and community-building programs.
• Collaborate with Dorm Parents, faculty, and Residential Life staff to support students.

Role Modeling & Student Development

• Model professionalism, responsible behavior, and healthy boundaries.
• Encourage student leadership, independence, accountability, self-care, and community responsibility.
• Support restorative conversations and conflict resolution under the guidance of Dorm Parents.
• Assist with student orientation, arrivals, departures, and transitions while promoting cultural awareness and respect.

Working Hours & Expectations

• Full-time, hourly, 10-month, live-in residential position with accommodation provided as part of compensation.
• Requires rotating evening, weekend, and overnight duty shifts, with additional coverage for student arrivals/departures, special events, emergencies, and public holidays as needed.
• Additional responsibilities may include operating Academy vehicles, student transportation, campus rounds, and supervision of student spaces beyond residence halls.
• Flexibility and a professional, responsive approach are expected within a 24/7 boarding school environment.

Location: Thornwood, New York  |  Reports to: Deputy Head of School for Student Life  |  Compensation: $17 per hour