The Care Specialist position is a unique live-in position focused on addressing resident needs related to critical issues that may present barriers to their personal and academic success. The Care Specialists are part of the Residence Life professional staff team and work collaboratively with housing staff and campus partners to successfully meet the needs of residents. The Care Specialist seeks to facilitate wellness in the residence halls through preventative and responsive initiatives and establishing a visible presence within the residential communities The Care Specialists provide critical support, case management, intentional referrals, education and consultation support. This position will report to the Assistant Director for Residence Life, Care and Conduct.

As part of the Care Specialist team, the Care Specialist will:

• Provide case management to help individual residents develop immediate and ongoing action plans that are culturally and developmentally appropriate
• Provide support during crisis situations involving residents (during regular work hours and as part of on-call rotation)
• Provide intentional referrals and/or facilitate connecting residents to campus and community resources 
• Provide education and consultation support to Residence Life and University Residences staff
• Serve in a collaborative capacity with critical campus partners (ad hoc and on-going basis) 

 This position works a Monday through Friday schedule with shortened business hours to allow flexibility in response to after-hours coverage needs. This position requires significant evening and weekend commitments throughout the year, and extended hours during peak times of the academic year (move-in).

Required: 

• Master’s degree in higher education, social work, counseling, or closely related field.
• Two years of experience working in residence life, social work, counseling, crisis management, student wellness, or a related field; experience can include a practicum placement.
• Experience in and competency working with diverse populations with regard to race, ethnicity, ability status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. 
• Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience providing risk assessment, crisis response, and crisis follow up.
• Ability to work independently. 

Preferred: 

• Experience in or knowledge of student development and operations within student affairs.
• Experience providing outreach programming.
• Demonstrated experience training, supervising, or mentoring employees, students, or volunteers – 18-25 age range.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while responding to frequent interruptions.
• Knowledge of the JED Foundation’s Steve Fund framework

PRIORITY DEADLINE of 6/25/25