Residential Assistants Recruitment
Welcome to the Residential Assistants recruitment page for 2023-2024. This challenging role offers UCD students a rewarding experience helping students to get the most from their University experience. The RAs are current UCD students who live on campus and are on duty outside of office hours and at the weekend. The role also offers greatly subsidised accommodation and a valuable experience to help increase your employability when your studies are complete.
If you are interested your application has to be submitted on-line once the application process opens. You will only be able to submit a single application. In addition to your personal details (including current GPA) and you will be required to provide short statements (of 100 words approx.) in support of your application.
Please note the following:
Please note that if you are shortlisted you will be invited to an interview assessment, scheduled provisionally for Monday 20th March 2023.
| Stage | Name | Start | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application | February 9th 2023 | February 28th 2023 @12:00 |
| 2 | Shortlisting | Early March 2023 | |
| 4 | Interview(video Submission) | 20th March 2023@09:30 (GMT-UTC) | 20th March 2023@16:00 (GMT-UTC) |
| 5 | Offers | 17th April 2023 | |
| 6 | RA Training | 23rd August 2023@09:00 |
Residential Assistants live as part of the UCD Student Residences community and help develop that community by providing leadership and defining student life in each residence.
A key part of the role is helping others to feel welcome, and by drawing on your own experience as a student, supporting your peers to get the most from their University experience. Residential Assistants are expected to be pro-active, responsible and to work as part of a team in which effective communication and reliability are essential.
Benefits of being a Residential Assistant
As an RA you will gain valuable experience to help increase your employability when your studies are complete. As well as opportunities to meet new people and increase your self-confidence, you will have an opportunity to develop key skills and important experience which will enhance your CV, such as
- Problem solving and listening skills
- Communication skills
- Judgement and diplomacy
- Emotional intelligence
RAs typically work one night in five (Monday – Friday) and every fifth weekend (Saturday and Sunday). The mandatory training lasts 2 weeks and starts on 23rd August 2023. The training requires full, daytime attendance and accommodation is provided from 22nd August 2023.
What if I have placements?
Many candidates are obliged to undertake placements as part of their studies and wonder if this is compatible with the commitment required of an RA.
The answer is not straight forward and depends on the nature of the placement. The good news is that each year several RAs successfully manage both commitments, but they all agree it takes planning and determination to achieve the balance (Please see the document below for more information).
Please note there is also a definite requirement to be available for both the Autumn and Spring trimesters so the role is not compatible with study abroad in either of these trimesters
A RA who cannot full-fill their commitment, including full attendance to the 2-week mandatory training in August, will have to give up their place (including subsidised accommodation) and may leave their team depleted as a result.
Residential Assistants are actively supported by the Management of the Residence and UCD Estates Services as well as the wider University Community. Extensive (mandatory) live-in training will be provided from the 23rd August 2023 in advance of the start of the year as an inherent part of the role.