Residential Advisors

What the job really is

Coordinate activities in resident facilities in secondary school and college dormitories, group homes, or similar establishments. Order supplies and determine need for maintenance, repairs, and furnishings. May maintain household records and assign rooms. May assist residents with problem solving or refer them to counseling resources.

At a glance

• Sector: Personal Care & Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 39-9041
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Communicate with other staff to resolve problems with individual students.
• Observe students to detect and report unusual behavior.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate residence hall staff, including resident assistants, participants in work-study programs, and other student workers.
• Provide emergency first aid and summon medical assistance when necessary.
• Make regular rounds to ensure that residents and areas are safe and secure.
• Mediate interpersonal problems between residents.
• Enforce rules and regulations to ensure the smooth and orderly operation of dormitory programs.
• Determine the need for facility maintenance and repair, and notify appropriate personnel.
• Collaborate with counselors to develop counseling programs that address the needs of individual students.
• Develop and coordinate educational programs for residents.
• Develop program plans for individuals or assist in plan development.
• Provide requested information on students' progress and the development of case plans.

Tools and technology

Google Docs, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, 10-key calculators, Automated lock systems, Budgeting software, Cash drawers, Compost bins, Computer data input scanners

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Social and Community Service Managers
• Rehabilitation Counselors
• First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
• Child, Family, and School Social Workers
• Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
• Social and Human Service Assistants
• First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services
• Patient Representatives

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Residential Advisors — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.