Resident Counselor

Resident Counselors

Resident Counselors (RCs) are members of a four person hall staff, who work collaboratively to monitor and support a residence hall. Each of our seven residence halls houses approximately 96 students. RCs are charged with directly supporting and developing 24 students in their wing. Through this live-in campus position, RCs facilitate the personal, social, emotional, and academic growth of students through personal interactions and programming in a living learning environment. Majority of work hours occur during the evening or on weekends, although occasional work may need to be completed before 3pm on weekdays. We are hiring for both an immediate vacancy and for anticipated openings for the 2026-2027 school year beginning in August.

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is committed to an equitable, diverse and inclusive teaching and learning environment. Through a model of Equity and Excellence, IMSA has committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential, and execute our mission to advance the human condition.

This Equity and Excellence Model is the intentional integration of Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Equity-Minded Frame, Excellence and Inclusion into every facet of the Academy, with the understanding that it is an active and ongoing process involving structures, processes and people and not an isolated initiative.

This position will support IMSA's Diversity work by ensuring the delivery of quality, equitable, and inclusive constituent-centered support while promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that embraces the diversity of people and perspectives collaborating at IMSA to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Directly monitor and support the academic, emotional, developmental needs and progress of 24 gifted residents and refer them to academy resources as necessary
• Annually plan, implement, and document educational and social programs grounded in our Residence Life curriculum which is focused on social responsibility, life skills, interpersonal/intrapersonal intelligence.
• Work and/or attend Academy-sponsored events, including but not limited to Convocation, Graduation, Community Days, Carnival, equity and excellence initiatives, etc.
• Coordinate and facilitate service learning opportunities for students in your wing
• Complete professional development outcomes to grow and learn in your role and the field of residence life as a whole
• Communicate student issues with residence life staff, parents, faculty, and other support staff
• Respond to and document emergencies such as: physical and mental health crises, acts of intolerance, and substance abuse situations
• Monitor student attendance, academic progress, and service learning requirements through weekly written reports to track developmental progress of students, provide necessary supports and coaching
• Spend about 20 of the 40 hours in an office setting completing administrative tasks and being available to address student concerns, questions, or be a listening ear.
• Assess and document student growth and fulfillment of residential expectations through written quarterly grades.
• Follow up regularly with parents regarding student concerns and residential programming.
• Transport students on social trips or other necessary destinations in State-owned vehicles, including driving 14 passenger mini-buses. (Training provided)
• Work one summer orientation session
• Participate in RC summer training at the beginning of the academic year
• Serve in a liaison capacity in one of the follow areas: residence hall function, student development, learning and leadership, or student involvement
• This is a full-time live-in position which requires regular evening and weekend hours. Resident Counselors participate in an "on-call" rotation approximately every 9 days, in which they are expected to respond on a 24 hour basis while on duty. Resident Counselors are also "overnight" approximately every other day where they act as an on call responder in their building overnight (10pm 9am)
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Driver's license required
• Experience in residence life strongly preferred
• Experience working with adolescence strongly preferred
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals and diverse populations
• Comfort with technology and the use of basic computer skills

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer. This role generally requires mobility, written and verbal communication, hearing and visual capabilities. However, reasonable accommodations, including assistive technology, may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform such requirements.

Compensation for this position includes a salary of $31,762.58 for a 10-month plus five days (190 days/year) term of employment per year. Salary is $33,262.58 if candidate has a master's degree. Resident Counselors also receive furnished living space, meal plan, free parking, utilities, and internet access year round. Due to occupancy safety standards, the employee may have no more than 2 dependents (spouse through civil union or marriage/children) live in our provided housing. IMSA offers a comprehensive state benefits package (major medical, dental, and vision) with rates found here and a retirement plan through the State University Retirement System (SURS). Academy stipends and summer program opportunities for additional remuneration are also available.