Residential Advisors

Also Called: Residence Hall Director, Residence Life Director, Resident Assistant, Resident Director

What Residential Advisors do

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.

  • 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.
Industry Areas:

Hospitality Retail Sales and Services

Training Program Areas:

Hotel & Lodging • Human Services • OCT-Only Hospitality • OCT-Only Retail Sales & Service • Residential Advisor

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Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Contact With Others
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Work With Work Group or Team
  • Responsible for Others' Health and Safety

Tools

  • Emergency medical services first aid kits
  • Photocopiers
  • Mobile phones
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Scanners

Technology

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Google Docs
Microsoft Word
Electronic mail software
Email software

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Monitoring
  • Speaking

Knowledge

Business
customer service
management
Safety and Government
public safety and security
law and government
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Arts and Humanities
English language

Education

  • 50% Some college, no degree
  • 31% Bachelor's degree
  • 7% Less than high school diploma

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Conventional (Organizer)
  • Enterprising (Persuader)
  • Social (Helper)

Work Styles

  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Concern for Others
  • Self Control
  • Cooperation
  • Integrity
  • Leadership

Values

  • Relationships
  • Independence
  • Support

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic

This is what Residential Advisors across the country typically make.

$13.23 / hour
$27,520 /year

Entry Level

$18.25 / hour
$37,950 /year

Median Level

$26.75 / hour
$55,640 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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