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Residential Assistant / Advisor

Quick Facts

Median Salary$43,333
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+8.38%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Residential Assistant or Advisor works in a residential mental health, long-term care, or substance abuse treatment facility and provides support for patients, including resolving conflicts, helping them adjust to their environment, and alleviating concerns. Performs inspections and assists with move-ins and facility programming.


Core Tasks:

  • Communicate with other staff to resolve problems with individual students.
  • Observe students to detect and report unusual behavior.
  • Provide emergency first aid and summon medical assistance when necessary.
  • Supervise, train, and evaluate residence hall staff, including resident assistants, participants in work-study programs, and other student workers.
  • Make regular rounds to ensure that residents and areas are safe and secure.
  • Mediate interpersonal problems between residents.
  • Enforce rules and regulations to ensure the smooth and orderly operation of dormitory programs.
  • Determine the need for facility maintenance and repair, and notify appropriate personnel.
  • Collaborate with counselors to develop counseling programs that address the needs of individual students.
  • Develop and coordinate educational programs for residents.
  • Develop program plans for individuals or assist in plan development.
  • Provide requested information on students' progress and the development of case plans.
  • Administer, coordinate, or recommend disciplinary and corrective actions.
  • Confer with medical personnel to better understand the backgrounds and needs of individual residents.
  • Answer telephones, and route calls or deliver messages.
  • Counsel students in the handling of issues such as family, financial, and educational problems.
  • Hold regular meetings with each assigned unit.
  • Compile information such as residents' daily activities and the quantities of supplies used to prepare required reports.
  • Chaperone group-sponsored trips and social functions.
  • Order supplies for facilities.

What to expect as a Residential Assistant / Advisor

1Earn a High school or GED Diploma

43% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Residential Assistant / Advisor related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

2217 openings for Residential Assistants / Advisors

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

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