What is the difference between a Community Assistant and a Resident Assistant?
At Clarion University, the greatest difference between a Community Assistant and a Resident Assistant is the type of community you work in. As a Community Assistant you will work in an apartment community for Clarion University students, where as a Resident Assistant works in a traditional residence hall or suite style residence hall.
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What does a CA/RA do?
A Community Assistant is a student member of the staff who works most closely with property residents. As a staff member, he/she will work to maintain communication between management and residents, assist in a multitude of administrative tasks, and protect the security of the property and its occupants. One of the most important Community Assistant responsibilities is to be available to and spend time with all residents living in the community. Basic duties include maintaining communication between Management and the residents, as well as implementation of policies, procedures, and regulations. In addition, the Community Assistant is responsible for the development of a residential community that enhances the total collegiate experience and facilitates resident growth.
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What are the minimum requirements?
Individuals applying for the Community Assistant must meet the following criteria: be enrolled as a Full Time student in good standing at Clarion University, Clarion Campus; have and maintain a cumulative GPA and QPA of at least a 2.5 or higher; have lived in a Clarion University Residence Hall or Reinhard Villages for one semester, and have attained 15 credits or more at the time of application for the Community Assistant position.
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How do I apply?
Applications are available online at clarion.myownapartment.com. Then click on the join our team icon. Then click on the learn more link. Then click the apply now link. The application may be located at the following address:
http://www.myownapartment.com/reinhardvillages/teamapply/
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When would I start working?
The majority of the students hired for the Community Assistant position begin prior to the start of Fall Semester. However, on occasion, a student is hired to begin prior to Spring Semester, or even mid-Semester, if there is a position open.
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Can I live with another CA/RA in my unit?
Only one Community Assistant is placed in a unit. Community Assistants are placed in a 4 bedroom x 4 bathroom unit type.
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How am I paid?
The CA Position is a scholarship position, and Community Assistants receive rent in exchange for their work on property.
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Can I have another job?
Community Assistants are permitted to seek outside employment; however, they are limited to working 10 hours per week outside of the Community Assistant position. In addition, outside employment opportunities must be approved by the Community Manager.
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What are the benefits of being a CA/RA?
The Community Assistant position is a leadership position. Through the experience, students can learn their on individual leadership styles and strengthen their leadership skills. In addition, students learn how to work and interact with a variety of personalities, which is a valuable experience. Having this opportunity to meet and interact with different types of people and encounter new ideas is one the most rewarding aspects of the job.
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What is the interview process?
The Community Assistant primary interview process occurs during the Spring Semester of each academic year. It includes three parts: an informational meeting about the position; a group process session; and an individual interview.
Applicants must attend a group process session and an individual interview session.
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How will I be trained?
Community Assistants go through an extensive two week training session prior to the start of the Fall Semester. In addition, there is a one week training session held prior to the start of the Spring Semester. In service trainings are scheduled throughout the year, as well.
Included in these training sessions are topics that Community Assistants must know or will assist them in effectively fulfilling their duties and responsibilities as a Community Assistant.
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Do I need to work when school is not in session?
Because the property never shuts down, Community Assistants are required to work during University scheduled breaks and other holidays. If you are unable or unwilling to fulfill this requirement, please reconsider applying for the Community Assistant position.
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Do I need references?
A total of three references are required and must be provided during the individual interview phase of the interview process. References WILL be contacted.
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Am I required to work during the summer?
Community Assistants are needed to work during the summer months; however, this usually occurs on a volunteer basis. Therefore, it is not a requirement, though it is strongly preferred.
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Can I coop and be a CA/RA?
No. A co-op will require far too much time to allow a student to fulfill his/her responsibilities to the co-op, as well as, his/her duties and responsibilities as a Community Assistant.
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What is the overall time commitment?
CAs should schedule a minimum of 17.6 hours a week to complete their CA duties. There are weeks when a Community Assistant may not put in 17 hours; however, there are other weeks when a Community Assistant will put in well over 17 hours. Time commitment includes nights, weekends and holidays. CAs cannot schedule more than one night class per week, due to the on call duty requirements of the position.
Keep in mind, as a Community Assistant, you can be called upon anytime, day or night, whether you are officially working or not. Therefore, being a Community Assistant is a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week position.
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