How to find Resident Assistant jobs, and other RA resources

Resident assistant jobs present challenging responsibilities that add clout to the resume and provide helpful income opportunities to persons willing to assume leadership roles and demonstrate leadership skills.  Training for resident assistants (RA’s) is provided by the hiring institution, but the individual must quickly learn to wear many hats and fit them all into an already demanding schedule.  These are qualities that not only make good RA’s, but wear well in private industry.

When applicants think of resident assistant jobs, they inevitably think of educational RA’s, as in dormitories.  However, resident assistants are used in other industries in differing capacities.  Resident Assistants are most populous in the following industries:

*    Education          9.710 RA’s
*    Mental Health    9,630 RA’s
*    Residential Care    5.930 RA’s
*    Family Services    4,780 RA’s
*    Vocational        4,060 RA’s

While those are the most common sources of resident assistant jobs, other industries actually pay more for RA services.  Employment qualifications may be more stringent, but the highest paying industries for resident assistants are:

*    Medical and Surgical Facilities        $32,360 average
*    Psychiatric and Substance Abuse    $31,990 average
*    Special Schools                $31,250 average
*    Educational Support            $29,670 average
*    Junior Colleges                $28,740 average

The overall national income average for resident assistants is $25,230.00.  Some RA’s receive benefits outside or in lieu of the compensation package.  These benefits could be price-adjusted housing, meals or even health insurance. Each Resident Assistant compensation package is unique.

However, the demands have many similarities.  RA’s are expected to provide administrative responsibilities, participate in community affairs, provide interpersonal duties and follow institution-specific guidelines.  Sound challenging?  The life of a RA is challenging.  But, there are great rewards.  The life of an RA is rewarding and the life of an RA earns respect.  Many RA’s reflect back upon this experience as the most enlightening of their lives.

Resident Assistants are chosen because of their demonstrated abilities to act responsibly and because they have exhibited superior leadership skills.  RA’s participate in and expand the sense of community in the residence hall.  To accomplish this, RA’s must have an open door policy that keeps them in touch and available to troubled residents.  RA’s must have or must develop terrific communication skills if they are to succeed.

The institution will provide the RA a thorough list of requirements.  It is imperative that the RA check carefully read and fully understand these guidelines.  Most institutions will insist upon attendance at on-site training courses.  The goal of each institution will be for the resident assistant to contribute to sustaining a positive living environment.

That will mean managing several unexpected incidents, including disagreements.  Resident assistants must develop astute listening skills and learn to resist being judgmental.  Each situation in the residence must stand on its own merits, just like the RA.  If you succeed as an RA, you are ready to help people, be a leader and succeed in any career.  To realize the benefits, resident assistants will need to be committed, prudent and open-minded, three very respected qualities.