TPV Resident Assistant Application 2017
Thank you for your interest in becoming an RA at TPV! Te Puni Village is a unique, vibrant and
engaged living and learning community. We’re interested in cultivating leadership, embracing diversity
and giving things a ‘go’.
We are looking for Resident Assistants who are engaged citizens, believe in building inclusive
communities, and are skilled at running events and communicating in challenging situations. We view
the RA position as a leadership development experience. As a TPV RA you’ll have the opportunity to
develop your leadership style, increase your confidence in public speaking and learn more about
working within a diverse team.
Position Requirements: RAs are university students in second year or above. RAs live on site at TPV
and do not hold employment outside of their role at TPV.
To apply to be an RA at TPV, please submit the following:
1) CV including qualifications and skills that are relevant to the job description (Attached)
2) Cover letter, including the following information:
a.
Tell us what skills and attributes you bring to the Resident Assistant position and what skills and
experiences you want to gain from the position.
b. Describe the attitudes, behaviours and relationships you hope to develop in the TPV community.
c.
Describe your experience working with people who are different from yourself, perhaps as a student
leader or with a peer group. How might this translate to the RA position?
d. Which coordinator positions are you interested in applying for and why? Please list two positions you
are interested in. (See job description)
3) Two completed recommendation forms (Attached)
ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE DUE BY 26 AUGUST 2016.
Send application materials to [email protected]
Here is a timeline of the 2016-2017 application process and other important dates:
2016
1 August – Applications Open
26 August – Applications Due
14 September – Offers sent out
16 September – Deadline to accept or decline offers
October – Meet and Greet session with new RA team
2017
23 January – RAs move in to TPV
24 January to 25 February – RA Training Period (Required)
26 February – Move in day (Required)
27 February to 5 March – VUW Orientation Week (RAs work during OWeek)
6 March – Classes Begin
15-16 July – Midyear RA Training
August – Open Day (Required)
November – Move Out Day (Required)
Position Description
Position Title:
Residential Assistant
Reports to:
Residential Life Coordinator
Responsible for:

Actively work to foster a unique, vibrant and engaged living
and learning community at Te Puni Village. In all interactions
with residents, RAs will work to cultivate leadership,
embrace diversity and give things a ‘go’.
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Liaises with:
Authorities:
Date:
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Provide peer, pastoral and academic support to residents
through the implementation of the Village Residential Life
programme, role modelling and upholding of Village rules.
 Demonstrate and instil a sense of ‘pride of place’ in the
Village community.
 Develop positive working relationships with residents.
 Work together with Village Management in bringing to life
the CLV NZ Vision for Residents ”having an exceptional allround student experience, transitioning safely and
successfully to independence whilst achieving their
academic goals and potential”.
RA teammates
Village residents
Residential Life Coordinator
Village Manager
Other Village staff
University Staff
Potential Village residents
None
July 2016
Page 1 of 6
1. Role Summary
The Residential Assistant is employed to help bring to life the CLV Vision of
residents achieving their academic potential whilst growing independence and life
skills and having broad, fun social engagement via the development and
implementation of the Residential Life - Live, Learn and Grow – programme.
Residential Assistants are full-time university students, typically in their third
year or above, who reside in the Village to provide peer, pastoral and academic
support to Village residents. RAs are the bridge between Village Management and
residents. They keep Village Management informed of what is happening at the
front line and ensure residents engage and participate in Village community life.
2. Key Accountabilities
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The Residential Assistant (RA) lives where they work and is a recognised and
known member and leader within the Village community where they reside.
Therefore the key challenge is to understand that the requirement to role model
and uphold appropriate Village behaviour and the Village rules is constant.
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The on-call aspect of the role (hold phone and keys overnight) means that on-call
RAs may have to respond to call-outs and incidents. To ensure appropriateness
and timeliness of response, limitations are placed on the on-call RA. These
limitations are to remain within the Village and not drink alcohol or take drugs.
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Pastoral care of high-need residents and involvement in critical incidents may
occur. While Village Management will manage these residents and incidents, RAs
(by the nature of being first point of resident contact) can end up being present
at some tough incidents. CLV has good support services in place should an RA be
involved in a critical incident in the Village.
3. Main Tasks
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Community Development
o
Actively work to foster a unique, vibrant and engaged living and learning
community at Te Puni Village. In all interactions with residents, RAs will
work to cultivate leadership, embrace diversity and give things a ‘go’.
o
Ensure residents from all cultures and backgrounds are integrated into
the Village and feel part of the community.
o
Positively contribute to resident satisfaction in the Village. Ensure that
the Village offers a diverse range of quality services to its residents, by
suggesting new ideas and helping implement improvements to the hall.
o
Follow the Village policies and procedures as outlined in the Resident
Assistants manual, and the Village rules/handbook.
o
Maintain and update noticeboards and floor group Facebook pages to
ensure residents have information needed.
Page 2 of 6
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Peer Leadership
o
Be a role model for residents, in particular in areas of academic
performance, appropriate and inclusive behavior and civic engagement.
o
Provide peer support (academic and pastoral) to assigned ‘Floor’ residents
and work to foster a strong community feel and pride of place amongst
residents.
o
Maintain acceptable standards of behaviour in your assigned areas.
o
Contribute to a positive and supportive RA team.
Programme Development
o
Promote and organise educational and recreational activities that foster
social, emotional, cultural, civic and intellectual growth of residents.
o
Plan, facilitate and attend 5 floor events throughout the academic year
that incorporate CLV values, encourage residents to learn and grow, and
create a sense of community.
o
Collaborate with the RA team to plan, facilitate and attend 5 hall-wide
events that incorporate CLV values, encourage residents to learn and
grow, and create a sense of community.
o
Collaborate with RA team and village management to plan, facilitate and
attend inter-hall events throughout the academic year.
o
Manage your own floor budget when applicable. Ensure events forms
(including budget documentation), are completed and approved prior to
organising and holding a floor event. Keep all receipts and remain within
approved event budget. Ensure an event feedback form is completed by
all people who attended.
o
RAs must apply for specific Coordinator positions within the RA team.
We will have 2 Coordinators in the following positions:
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Residents Association Coordinator: Includes working with resident leaders
to plan hall events, coordinate feedback between hall residents and staff,
and develop resident leadership within the hall.
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Social Coordinator: Create and implement events that focus on engaging
residents to get to know each other and have fun together. Examples are
hall speed dating, games nights, movie nights, etc. This may also include
music and theatre interhall events.
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Education Coordinator: Create and implement events focusing on
improving academic and life skills within residents. This might include
tutorial sessions, academic dinners, flatting forums, study groups, etc.
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Wellbeing Coordinator: Create and implement events that address
resident health and wellness. This would include well-being week, yoga,
engaging speakers, etc.
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Diversity and Social Justice Coordinator: Create and implement events
that bring together residents and create opportunities for learning about
new cultures, perspectives and experiences. This includes events like
Pride Week, Maori Language Week, charity fundraising, etc.
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Sports and Recreation Coordinator: Coordinate hall and interhall events
like dodgeball, football, touch rugby, etc.
o
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Duty Shifts
o
Rosters depend on date and events, but “On Duty” shifts generally run
from 5:00pm to 10:00pm. RAs are often “On Call” from the end of the
Duty shift until the office opens at 9:00am.
o
RAs may be on duty an average of four to five evenings per fortnight.
o
Specific requirements of duty and on call shifts will be addressed in detail
during training, but major responsibilities for shifts include:
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Wearing TPV uniform
Remaining present in TPV building
Conducting regular duty rounds of TPV
 Ensure residents are safe and following rules
 Enforce quiet hours and address complaints
 Check fire safety equipment
 Identify and report any maintenance or cleaning
requirements
 Identify and report any health and safety hazards
Refraining from drug or alcohol use
Completing any assigned tasks from TPV management
Engaging with residents proactively
Responding to any call-out or incident that may occur
Escalating incidences at Level 2 or above to the Duty Manager
Accurately and comprehensively recording all call-outs in StarRez
Ensuring village office is locked and secure
Health and Safety
o
Ensure all Village Health and Safety policies and procedures are adhered
to by residents and staff. Take personal responsibility for eliminating or
minimizing any hazards and/or potential hazards and record any new
hazards, village incidents, accidents and near misses with Village
Management.
o
Ensure proper care is taken of all Village property (including buildings and
other assets) and in the event of damage to or loss of Village property,
assist Village Management to identify those responsible.
o
Care for the general health and welfare of residents by referring residents
to the Student Support coordinator.
o
Act as Village Fire Wardens in the event of any emergency.
o
Complete required First Aid training and utilize as required.
Logistics
o Attend a weekly RA meeting with village management.
o Meet fortnightly with village management for peer support and
supervision.
o Keep village management informed of all resident issues and concerns
(including potential and actual physical, mental, academic and social
problems) to ensure appropriate action occurs.
o Assist with duties involved with the arrival (move in) and orientation of
residents to the Village. Assist with duties involved with the move out of
Village residents.
Assist with duties involved with the promotion of the Village to potential new
residents including Village tours and Open Days.
Page 4 of 6
4. Personal Accountability and Conduct
The Residential Assistant position is the most important position within our
leadership team; RAs have a unique opportunity to role model appropriate behavior
to their residents. Therefore, RAs are expected to maintain high standards of
personal conduct and professionalism at all times. RAs are required to sign and
uphold the Ethical Framework for Halls Staff. This will be discussed during RA
training.
RAs are expected to uphold the following:
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Residential Assistants must conduct themselves according to the expectations of
the CLV Code of Conduct and Village Rules.
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Residential Assistants must pay their rent, as per the residential tenancy
agreement they sign as part of their employment contract.

Residential Assistants are not permitted to drink alcohol at any Hall or Inter-Hall
function unless management has given specific permission.

Resident Assistants are not permitted to drink alcohol or attend parties with TPV
residents.
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Residential Assistants are not permitted to have romantic or sexual relationships
with residents.
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Residential Assistants are not permitted to have romantic or sexual relationships
with other TPV RAs.
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Residential Assistants are not permitted to be intoxicated on Village premises.
This includes not returning drunk if you have been drinking off site.
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Residential Assistants are not permitted to take payment from residents for any
service they provide within or beyond the scope of their duties.
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Residential Assistants are not permitted to disclose any private, confidential or
commercially sensitive information that has come to their knowledge in the
course of their job.
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Residential Assistants will take all opportunities to engage with residents in and
outside of their shifts. For example, eating meals with residents is an opportunity
to connect with residents both within and outside of the particular floor group.
5. Key Competencies and Skills
CLV Core Values
CLV’s goal is to CREATE a culture that we all enjoy working within by following the below
values. It is expected for all CLV employees to demonstrate the values listed below on a day
to day basis:
Community: Be part of the ONE team and pursue the team goal.
Respect: Be tolerant and accepting of colleagues and customers and don’t manipulate,
demean or mistreat people.
Equality: Endeavour to treat everyone the same, regardless of their role.
Page 5 of 6
Accountability: Work hard, work smart and don’t blame others.
Trust: Be forthright, candid and deliver on your promises.
Enthusiasm: Be passionate in what you do and give 100%.
In addition to the Core Values listed above, CLV expects a high level of professional behavior
in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
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Must be currently enrolled as a university student, in second year or above.
May not hold any other employment. Some exceptions may be made for
academic opportunities
Must reside in the Village.
Experience running events is an advantage.
Experience working as part of a team to deliver team projects and goals.
Experience or interest in dealing with people. Ability to establish and create
strong positive personal and group relationships.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, personal integrity and impartiality.
Ability to remain calm and level headed in difficult/emergency situations and
follow appropriate procedures.
Ability to be empathetic to the issues effecting and impacting on student
residents.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and ability to
communicate to a large diversity of stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to be a leader within a community group
Demonstrated commitment to diversity & multiculturalism.
Note
The above performance standards are provided as a guide only. The precise performance measures
and KPI’s for this position will be agreed annually between the jobholder and manager as part of
the performance appraisal process. From time to time you will be required to carry out other
duties as required by your manager.
6. Acknowledgment
I have read and understand the requirements of the role, responsibilities and
accountabilities as outlined within this Position Description.
I am committed to creating a unique, vibrant and engaged living and learning
community at Te Puni Village. In all interactions with residents, RAs will work to
cultivate leadership, embrace diversity and give things a ‘go’.
Employee Signature
Manager Signature
Employee Name
Manager Name
Date
Date
Page 6 of 6
Te Puni Village
Resident Assistant (RA) Recommendation Form
As part of the Resident Advisor (RA) staff selection process, we request two recommendations from each candidate.
You are being asked to complete one of these recommendation forms.
It is our belief that learning extends beyond the walls of the classroom. As student staff members who live in the
residence hall, RAs play an important role in nurturing a student’s total educational development. Basic to the RA
position is a willingness to learn new things and to make changes as appropriate. The RA is expected to challenge
themselves as well as those around them. The job is fulfilling, stimulating, and time consuming – but ultimately
rewarding.
To acquaint you with the position, the responsibilities and expectations of each are outlined below.
Primary Responsibilities of the Resident Assistant
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Serve as a leader, mentor, and role model to peers
Perform administrative duties (i.e., on-call duty coverage & crisis response, document incidents,
reports, etc.)
Be willing to get to know and spend time with residents
Help to develop a community and a sense of group responsibility for the residential environment
Interact positively with a diverse group of students
Help residents locate university information and resources
Explain TPV and university policies; consistently and fairly enforce them
Plan programs that meet the educational, cultural, social and recreational needs of a
living-learning community
Thank you for your time and consideration; your input is very important to us in determining the
candidate’s abilities.
Please email your completed recommendation form to [email protected] no later than 9:00am
on Friday 26 August 2016. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email us.
Resident Assistant (RA) Applicant Recommendation Form
SECTION 1: TO BE COMPLETED BY THE APPLICANT.
Applicant’s Name:
Phone:
SECTION II. THE FOLLOWING IS TO BE COMPLETED BY THE PERSON FILLING OUT THIS RECOMMENDATION FORM:
Name of Person Completing Form:
Position:
Email:
Phone Number:
Relationship to applicant:
How well do you know this applicant?
How long have you known applicant:
Very well
Fairly Well
Casually
Please rate each characteristic by checking one box in each category that most accurately describes the applicant’s abilities. In the comment
section at the end of the form, please expand on the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses as it relates to working with groups of first-year
university students in a residential setting. To receive full consideration for the RA positions, we must receive this completed recommendation
form from you as an attachment via email to [email protected] by 9:00am on Friday 26 August 2016.
Ability to Lead and Work with Others - Consider the applicant’s ability to inspire others, to coordinate and lead activities, to facilitate
group interaction, and to respond appropriately to suggestions and criticism.
No chance to observe
Poor
Average
Better than most
Exceptional, one of the best I’ve seen
Personality - Consider the applicant’s ability to make a pleasant impression and their ability to deal with a wide range of personalities.
No chance to observe
Poor
Average
Better than most
Exceptional, one of the best I’ve seen
Social Sensitivity - Consider the applicant’s ability to be sensitive to and understanding of others’ reactions and feelings and the ability
to effectively respond to them.
No chance to observe
Poor
Average
Better than most
Exceptional, one of the best I’ve seen
Diversity Awareness - Consider the applicant’s ability to be sensitive to and understanding of diversity issues and their ability to
respond effectively to them.
No chance to observe
Poor
Average
Better than most
Exceptional, one of the best I’ve seen
Responsibility - Consider the degree to which the applicant is dependable, prompt, able to manage time effectively, and willing to take
initiative.
No chance to observe
Poor
Average
Better than most
Ability to Express Self – Consider the applicant’s ability to effectively communicate with others, to first understand and then seek to be
understood, and to be sensitive to the feelings and reactions of others in group settings.
No chance to observe
Poor
Average
Better than most
Exceptional, one of the best I’ve seen
Maturity - Consider the applicant’s common sense, judgment, integrity, and self-awareness.
No chance to observe
Poor
Average
Better than most
Exceptional, one of the best I’ve seen
Emotional Stability - Consider the applicant’s response to stressful situations and evenness of disposition and mood.
No chance to observe
Poor
Average
Better than most
Exceptional, one of the best I’ve seen
OVERALL RECOMMENDATION - Do you recommend that the applicant be hired as an RA?
Do not hire, please explain below
Hire with reservations, please explain below
Hire, please explain below
Definitely hire, please explain below
(continue to next page)
Comments: (You can use the space provided below or submit an additional word/pdf document and attach it as a separate document
when submitting).
All recommendations must be received as an attachment by [email protected] no later than 9:00am on Friday 26 August 2016 in
order to be considered.
What do you see as the applicant’s greatest strengths? What areas would you be concerned about?
What areas would you suggest we explore further?
Any other comments regarding the candidate’s abilities and experiences?
Signature:
Date:
Please electronically sign (type in full name) this recommendation form, save it to your computer, and send it as an email
attachment to [email protected] by 9:00am on Friday 26 August 2016.