Resident Advisor
Fayetteville-Manlius A Better Chance

Overview of the Program

A Better Chance is a national organization that strives to give a quality high school education to students who wouldn't otherwise have this opportunity. At the Fayetteville-Manlius ABC house, we take in students typically from the NYC area. They come to us as 9th graders and attend the F-M high school for four years. They live in a house with other girls who are also attending the high school. We have been fortunate to have had many talented and dedicated students who have gone on to prestigious universities and meaningful careers. The ABC program has been a sucessful part of the Fayetteville-Manlius Schools for 35 years; enriching and touching the lives of many people.

The Role

In addition to the Resident Directors for the program, there will be two Resident Advisors who also reside in the house. Their primary responsibility is for the academic development of the students. Their main duty is to supervise evening study hours and to act as counselors and friends to the students. The Resident Advisor is an extremely critical position. To a large extent, the success of the program is dependent upon good interaction and effective communication between the RA’s and students as well as between the advisors and the directors. Ideally, together the advisors should have expertise in humanities, mathematics, science and computer use.

Living Allowance

This position does not include a salary. Room and board are provided during the school year; room only during the summer and holidays. A transportation stipend of $40 per month is granted.

Specific Duties

Take an active interest in the students and join with them in becoming part of a family unit; this necessitates taking part in the evening meal.

Assist students in areas of academic subject difficulty as well as in overall organization of assignments, studies and additional reading.

Supervise the daily evening study hours; in the case of the student infraction of the study hour rules, the Advisors should be the first line of discipline. For additional and further discipline, the Advisors must communicate with the Director and when necessary with the Academic Chair and the student’s academic advisor.

Share responsibility for supervising household duties (chores) with the students and the director. Some food shopping and transportation is required.

Along with the Director, be aware that the students are both getting to school and being on time each day.

Share responsibility for maintaining a good relationship and balance of authority with the Resident  Director.

Communication is the key element. Calendars of events for the students as well as for the staff must be kept in a central place. Weekend duties must be articulated some months in advance and all staff must be fully informed and agreeable to that schedule.

Keep Resident Director informed of students’ progress and potential problems.

Present a positive example of concern and mutual respect for all and for the maintenance and appearance of the house.

Requirements

College experience, so that the advisor can be empathic to the situation of the girls who have left their homes to come away to school.

Demonstrated academic ability so that the advisor will be confident in supporting the girls in their academic pursuits.

Previous experience in dealing with adolescents; some experience with diverse youths or populations would be helpful.

Interest in the development of high school girls and an ability to communicate with them.

Attendance at monthly house meetings whenever possible.

Confidence in communicating and working in a relationship with others. This may be the most important skill to be brought to the House and to be practiced constantly. The Advisors need to be constantly aware that they are working with the Directors as well as with the students.

To apply for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to fmabetterchance@gmail.com.

Flexibility, patience, compassion, endurance, commitment!