Resident Counselor

POSITION SUMMARYResident 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.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.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Directly monitor and support the academic, emotional, developmental needs and progress of 24 gifted residents and refer them to academy resources as necessaryAnnually 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 wingComplete professional development outcomes to grow and learn in your role and the field of residence life as a wholeCommunicate student issues with residence life staff, parents, faculty, and other support staffRespond to and document emergencies such as: physical and mental health crises, acts of intolerance, and substance abuse situationsMonitor student attendance, academic progress, and service learning requirements through weekly written reports to track developmental progress of students, provide necessary supports and coachingSpend 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 sessionParticipate in RC summer training at the beginning of the academic yearServe in a liaison capacity in one of the follow areas: residence hall function, student development, learning and leadership, or student involvementThis 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 assignedMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree requiredDriver’s license requiredExperience in residence life strongly preferredExperience working with adolescence strongly preferredStrong organizational and problem-solving skillsExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsDemonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals and diverse populationsComfort with technology and the use of basic computer skillsWORKING 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: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 hereand a retirement plan through the State University Retirement System (SURS). Academy stipends and summer program opportunities for additional remuneration are also available. For more information, please visit our Resident Counselor Union Contract which can be found here: https://www.imsa.edu/discover-imsa/careers/union-contracts/The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation, amnesty, arrest record, military status, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Created: 2026-03-07