Counselor Job Description: School of the ArtsVCUarts Summer Intensive

Residency Program for High School Students:

Fine Arts, Design Arts and Performing Arts

The School of the Arts seeks several highly responsible and motivated counselors to assist with the 2015Summer Intensive:Pre-College Residency Program for High School Students. The Counseling team goal is to provide a superior quality experience for each participant. The program will take place July 12–31, 2015.

Responsibilities: Counselors will be required to live in on campus housing with the high school students and assist them 24-hours a day (specific times depend on your daily assigned shift) during the three-week program. Daily activities will include escorting students to and from:

8:15 – 9 am Breakfast

9:15 – 12:15Morning Classes

12:15 – 1:15 pm Lunch

1:15 – 4:15 pm Afternoon Classes

6 – 6:45 pm Dinner

7 – 9:00 pm Evening Modules

10:00 – 12am Evening Social Activities

Midnight Lights Out/Room Check

Counselors will be expected to serve as ambassadors of the University to visiting students and their parents, attend all training sessions, attend daily de-briefing meetings with the Head of Residence Life and the Director, and participate in fieldtrips and other group activities.

Qualifications: We are seeking high energy, enthusiastic role models with the strong organizational skills necessary to get assigned students to all scheduled activities in a timely manner. Counselor qualifications also include:

  • Outstanding communication skills
  • A passion for working with young people
  • Excellent customer service skills including patience and the desire to do whatever it takes to be certain the students have their needs met at all times
  • A clear understanding of University and residence hall policies and procedures, as well as the ability to monitor behavior and convey policies and procedures to high school students
  • The ability to clearly and assertively address minor infractions and misunderstandings with students
  • To be able to provide leadership and to closely monitor the students throughout the program to ensure safety and rule compliance
  • A high level of sensitivity and responsiveness to student needs

Preference will be given to applicants who are: (1) VCU School of the Arts graduate and undergraduate students, (2) Resident Assistants or those who have previous experience as a residence hall assistant, (3) rising VCU juniors, seniors and graduate students, (4) experienced working at summer camps for high school students, (5)VCU security guards, and/or (6) teachers.

Interviews will be held on Saturday, Feb.21stfrom 9:30 am – 12:30pm in the Pollak Building, Room TBA.

Counselors will be trained on two days at the end of JuneTBA from 9 am – 4 pm. Your attendance is mandatory. Compensation will include a room and all meals during the program, as well as $1,300.(Please note that taxes will be deducted from this amount.)

All interested graduate and undergraduate students, residence advisors, security guards, teachers, and adjunct faculty members are encouraged to apply. Applications must include (1) a resume (please include any previous campexperience, paid and volunteer experiences, as well as campus activities that would help you excel in this position, also your major, year in school, and GPA),and (2) a cover letter presenting relevant skills and accomplishments. The third thing to submit is(3) a completed “Counselor Reference Form” (see pages 3 and 4 of this document).

*Counselors will be required to pass a criminal background check.

For full consideration (1) resumes and (2) a completed recommendation form should be delivered by 4 pm on Friday,February 13, 2015to:

Dr. Mitzi Gregory, Program Director Fax: 804-828-6469

VCUarts Summer Arts Intensive Phone: 804-827-1353

325 North Harrision Street, Room 212

P.O. Box 842519 Richmond, VA 23284-2519

VCU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.Women, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

VCUarts Summer Intensive

Pre-College Residency Program for High School Students:

Fine Arts, Design Arts and Performing Arts

Counselor Reference Form

Applicants fill out this portion:

Name of Applicant: ______

Instructions for Applicant:A recommendation must be submitted from someone who knows how you relate to and work with supervisors, peers and students. Select:

  1. A former employer or
  2. A University staff or faculty member with whom you have worked closely.

Instructions for Reference:The purpose of this form is to assist VCUarts Summer Intensive staff in evaluating applicants for the position of Counselor. A Counselor is a member of the residence life/School of the Arts staff and is typically involved in:

  • Helping, monitoring and advising high school students over a 3-week period
  • Serving as an ambassador of the University to visiting students and their parents
  • Providing leadership to these students and escorting them to all activities in a timely manner
  • Supporting and enforcing University policies and ensuring student safety at all times
  • Being as an enthusiastic role model

Your candid evaluation of the applicant will play an important part in the selection process.

Please note that the applicant will not be considered without this form being completed. In a sealed envelope, pleasereturn the completed form to the applicant for inclusion in his/her application packet.

Evaluation:

  1. How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant? ______
  1. Please rate the applicant by circling the appropriate number below:

1 =Highest 4 = Lowest

● Applicant’s ability to be a positive influence on others / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
● Communication skills (ability to express thoughts and feelings
clearly) / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
● Reliability (ability to carry through on commitments, responsibilities, and to meet deadlines) / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
● Customer service and diplomacy / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
● Independence and maturity / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
● Assertiveness (ability to confront difficult situations and take
necessary action) / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
● Flexibility (willingness to adjust quickly to the needs of others and to the situation) / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
● Exhibits a consistentlyhigh energy level / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

VCUarts Summer Intensive

Pre-College Residency Program for High School Students:

Fine Arts, Design Arts and Performing Arts

Counselor Reference Form (continued)

3. Please describethe applicant’s strengths (Feel free to attach a letter of reference outlining strengths if you’d prefer.):

4. Indicate areas applicant needs to improve or receive additional training to be an effective counselor:

5. Additional comments:

□ Highly Recommend □ Recommend □ Do Not Recommend

Signature of Reference Printed Name Date

Position or Title Phone

Address E-mail