Residence Life Specialist

Reporting to the Director, Residences and Ancillary Services, the Residence Life Specialist is responsible for managing, supporting, and leading student life functions in residence.  The RLS directly builds, trains, and supervises the student staff team, providing direction, guidance, support, and follow up to ensure that departmental objectives are reached and both students and student staff have the resources to thrive in residence.  The RLS is responsible for planning and execution of community building and student development strategies, including budgetary oversight of student programming fees.  The RLS must maintain a visible presence in the community, building accountable and developmental relationships with students through program attendance, student crisis/support conversations, and student conduct and behaviour intervention.   

The RLS participates in a manager on-call schedule (approx. 1/3 week rotation), providing 24hr guidance, support, and decision making for student staff and security relating to residence issues.  

Hours of work are Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, with some flexibility required to accommodate priority weekend work (ex. large programs, move in/out, open houses). 

Residence Community and Student Development

• Lead the development and delivery of residence life programming that promotes student engagement, community building, and personal development.
• Support Residence Assistants (RAs) in planning and facilitating programs that align with student needs and institutional goals.
• Foster an inclusive, equitable, and safe residential environment for a diverse student population.
• Manage the Residence+ program, including program planning, budgeting, assessment, and student staff involvement.
• Ensure students have regular opportunities to connect with staff, access resources, and share concerns.
• Collaborate with campus and community partners to enhance the residence experience and support student success.

• Administer and investigate residence conduct matters and determine appropriate outcomes in accordance with College policies.
• Respond to and manage student wellness, behavioural, safety, and crisis situations, including conflict resolution and referrals to support services.
• Provide guidance and intervention for ongoing student behaviour concerns, including coaching student staff on appropriate responses.
• Participate in an on-call rotation to provide after-hours emergency and crisis response support.
• Communicate with students, parents, and stakeholders regarding residence-related concerns and outcomes as appropriate.

• Recruit, train, supervise, schedule, coach, and evaluate residence student staff.
• Oversee the completion of student staff responsibilities, including programming, student support, operational tasks, and on-call duties.
• Facilitate team meetings and regular one-on-one discussions to support staff development, accountability, and effective communication.
• Mentor Residence Council members and support leadership development, goal setting, and community initiatives.

• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to student interactions, conduct cases, investigations, and incident response.
• Monitor and manage student staff scheduling and work assignments.
• Prepare and communicate investigation outcomes, residence updates, and community communications.
• Track and reconcile residence programming budgets and expenditures.
• Prepare reports on programming, student behaviour, interventions, and departmental performance.
• Support residence operations and departmental initiatives, including move-in/move-out activities, residence turnover, open houses, committees, and other institutional priorities.

• Completion of a minimum two-year diploma in Social Service Worker (SSW), Recreation and Leisure, Leadership, Social Sciences, Community and Justice Services, Hospitality and Event Management, or a related field.
• Minimum two (2) years of related professional experience; experience in a post-secondary, student-facing environment is preferred.
• Experience working in student housing/residence life is considered an asset.
• Alcohol and Substance Use Training, Conflict Resolution/Crisis Intervention/De-escalation Training, Physical and Mental Health First Aid Training considered an asset
• Ability to build relationships with College students and demonstrated skill in handling a variety of student circumstances including conflict, mental health issues, and behaviour management.
• Experience supportingequity-deserving communities/students considered an asset.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage sensitive and complex situations with professionalism and empathy.
• Valid Class G driver's licence.
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check.