Community Resource Assistant - NYU Accra

Position Summary

The Community Resource Assistant (CRA) is an integral part of the NYU Accra staff. This is a live in full time position. The CRA lives at the students’ residence and acts as the first resource for students on cross-cultural adjustment issues, providing information, assistance and support. The role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities including serving as a role model, peer counselor, resource and referral person, NYU policy enforcer, activity programmer and leader for NYU Accra students. The CRA provides support to NYU Accra regular semester students as well as students on special programming such as J-Terms, Intercession and summer programs. Under the supervision of the Programs Manager, Student Services, the CRA is expected to assist in the development of community, organize and supervise various student activities, and report inappropriate behavior, creating in the dorm an environment that is conducive to the academic and personal growth of students. CRAs work with other NYU Accra staff to provide 24 / 7 emergency responses to students. This is a position where you will be called upon to respond to changing needs and situations. It is a position that requires flexibility, adaptability, enthusiasm, and commitment, as well as strong administrative and peer counselling skills, and crisis management. The CRA should expect to work non-traditional working hours, including evenings, weekends and occasional holidays.

Qualifications

Principal Duties and Responsibilities :

Events and Community Development

• Encourage a cross-cultural living and learning environment that promotes student academic growth, personal responsibility and a strong sense of community through activities such as CRA meetings, student events, individual student check- ins, etc.
• Conduct student information sessions, including the presentation of housing rules, safety and alcohol / drug guidelines, fire safety awareness, information on diversity, community respect, housemate / suitemate agreements during orientation and later in the semester as needed.
• Ensure that the residents’ living situation is a suitable environment with regards to cleanliness of communal areas (living room, kitchen, stairways, balconies and the courtyard).
• Take an active role in the creation, planning and implementation of cultural events and activities held at either the residence or at the Academic Center.
• Provide guidance for the appointed Student Ambassadors (SSC, GEF, Wasserman Peer) in their programs and other social events.
• Help to provide student immersion into the local community through volunteering events, collaboration with local student groups, creating connections between students and local opportunities.
• Chaperone and lead students (regular and special programs) during outings such as walking tours, night outs, performances, day trips, and / or weekend excursions.
• Participate in mediation procedures during roommate, suitemate and student community conflicts.
• Assume pastoral responsibilities, such as checking in with students on an individual basis who are not mixing or who may be dealing with issues of homesickness, etc.
• Report all cases of students having difficulties or experiencing distress to the Nurse, or the Programs Manager, Student Services for referral to the Site Counselor.
• Report medical and mental health / wellness related problems to the NYU Accra Nurse and the Programs Manager, Student Services and provide follow up information when student is taken to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment.

Administrative Responsibilities

Emergency Coverage and Policy Enforcement

Qualifications

Required Education

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Additional Information

NYU's Global Programs & University Life organization is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to being a welcoming campus community that reflects and enacts the values of inclusion, diversity, belonging, equity, and accessibility that inform academic excellence. Employees in this organization are expected to contribute to diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible learning and working environments for our students, staff, and faculty