Working at the desk

Housing & Residential Life is accepting applications for student assistants. Positions include Desk Assistants and Community Assistants. Descriptions and requirements for each position are listed below. 

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Desk Assistants (DA)

Desk assistant responsibilities include but are not limited to up to 20 hours of work per week; and will include:

• Mandatory initial training.
• Providing administrative assistance to the Area Administrative Coordinator and/or Community Director.
• Assisting with resident check-in and check-out.
• Checking in packages properly, organizing mail, and securing deliveries.
• Preparing and submitting maintenance requests/work orders.
• Answering the desk phone professionally, taking detailed messages and answering residents’ questions.
• Following and understanding the fire alarm system protocol.
• Monitoring building entrances, signing in/out guests and enforcing guest and safety policies and protocols.
• Signing out building equipment properly.
• Reporting and documenting incidents as outlined in the Incident Reporting Protocol.
• Appropriately communicating with the Community Director, Area Administrative Coordinator, Resident Advisors, and other Desk Assistants regarding building updates.
• Escorting contractors/vendors, conduct building tours, and providing staff support.
• Responding to emergency situations, maintenance concerns, and other issues. Educate residents about emergency procedures.
• Understanding and communicating Housing & Residential Life processes.
• Serving as a campus resource for residents.
• Assisting with and completing lockouts and associated paperwork.
• Miscellaneous duties at the building front desk, areas around the building, or around campus during daytime desk shifts.

Community Assistants (CA)

Front desk operations

• Provide excellent customer service and resources to our residents, constituents, and guests.
• Provide office assistance to the Community Director and Office Services Clerk.
• Assist with resident move-ins and move-outs, including completion of paperwork, organizing files, key organization, room walkthroughs, etc.
• Check-in packages, organizing mail, and securing parcels. Ensuring that proper protocol is being followed when handing out mail.
• Submit maintenance requests/work orders.
• Answer the desk phone professionally, take detailed messages, and answer resident questions.
• Follow and understand the fire alarm system protocol.
• Monitor building entrances, sign in/out guests and enforce guest and safety policies and protocols.
• Sign out, manage, and audit building equipment.
• Document incidents in a timely manner as communicated by the Community Director.
• Appropriately communicate with the Community Director, Resident Advisors, and other Community Assistants regarding building updates.
• Escort contractors/vendors, conduct building tours, and provide staff support as needed.
• Complete room condition reports before the beginning of the fall semester as needed.

Emergency response

• Respond to emergency situations, maintenance concerns, and other issues as needed; educate residents about emergency procedures.
• Attend all staff meetings and training sessions.
• Serve as a resource for residents and engage them in conversation as they enter and exit the building.
• Assist with and completing lockouts, maintaining temporary key process, completing associated paperwork for key processes. Safety/Security
• Follow FERPA, Title IX, Clery, and all campus security authority (CSA) and mandated reporter guidelines at all times.
• Be familiar with the building fire alarm system and familiarize residents with building evacuation and other emergency procedures.
• Report repair requests for the safety and security of residents (stairway breezeway lights, damage to door lock mechanisms).
• Educate residents on fire, health, safety and security guidelines as listed in the Community Living Guide issued to them at move-in
• Assist coordinating resident response in emergency situations or situations requiring specific action, as requested.
• Complete building rounds as specified and scheduled by the Community Director.
• Follow all COVID-19 safety measures, Office of Housing & Residential life protocols, and campus policies at all times. Crisis Response, Mediation, and Helping Skills
• Serve as a concerned, non-judgmental peer assistant, whose goal is to assist residents in resolving problems; serve as mediator for residents in conflict with one another, if needed.
• Treat sensitive information confidentially.
• Display interest and sensitivity to the concerns of underrepresented groups.
• Respond quickly and calmly to crisis situations while adhering to WSU & Housing policies and procedures.
• Refer residents, when necessary, to University and community resources.
• Demonstrate effective listening skills and work to empathetically listen to residents facing an issue or crisis.
• Treat residents fairly and impartially.
• Assist residents with personal, social, academic, or health related concerns. Role Modeling & Policy Enforcement
• Educate students on the need for safety and security; encourage compliance with University policy by discussing and enforcing regulations; encourage residents to confront policy violations by bringing them to the attention of building staff.
• Serve as a positive role model for residents by complying with and supporting WSU and Housing policies and procedures. Communicate Student Due Process and Housing and Residential Life policies and procedures and their rationale to hall residents.
• Confront students who fail to comply with the University Code of Conduct, Housing and Residential Life policies or violate other residents' rights; refer these students to the Community Director or designate in a timely manner.
• Support other team members in the enforcement of hall policies.

Supervision

Community Directors directly supervise the Desk Assistants, Senior Desk Assistants, and Community Assistants. Community Directors are full-time staff supervised by the Associate Directors of Residence Life.

Compensation

CA compensation

• CA position is paid hourly at $13.50 per hour.

DA compensation

• Desk Assistants are paid hourly at a rate $13.00/hour. Full-time students are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week. During times when classes are not in session (holidays and breaks), DAs are eligible to work up to 29 hours per week.
• Hours will vary based on coverage needed, resident needs, and needs of Housing & Residential Life.

Requirements

Desk assistant requirements

• Have and maintain a minimum cumulative and semester  2.5 GPA at the time of hire and throughout employment.
• Remain in good financial and disciplinary standing with the Housing & Residential Life and Wayne State University at time of application and during employment.
• Must submit to and pass a formal background check.
• Must be familiar with WSU's campus.
• Must be creative, organized, highly personable, motivated, professional, and able to multi-task in a fast-paced working environment.
• Must possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be available to work assigned desk shifts, including overnights (12am-8am), holidays and during university closures.
• Must be available to work all assigned shifts and be on time.
• Must have time away and shift changes approved by supervisor.

Community assistant requirements

• Have and maintain a minimum cumulative and semester  2.75 GPA at the time of hire and throughout employment.
• Remain in good financial and disciplinary standing with the Office of Housing and Residential Life and Wayne State University at the time of application and during employment.
• Must submit to and pass a formal background check through WSU Public Safety.
• Must be familiar with WSU's campus and the surrounding area.
• Must possess verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be available to work assigned desk and duty shifts, including those on holidays and during university closures.
• CAs must be available during overnight hours.
• Must live in an assigned campus space during the academic year.
• Must be available to work during “Closed” holiday times communicated by the Community Director.
• Must have extended time away (vacations, etc.) approved by supervisor at least two weeks in advance or as otherwise communicated.
• Community Assistants must be available to work approximately 16-20 hours per week as scheduled by the Community Director or designee.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still work at the desk if I live off campus?

You must live in an assigned campus space during the academic year.

I was offered the position. What do I do now?

Human resources will begin processing your assignment. If new to the university, you must complete a background check, New Hire Paperwork, and if you are international but receive a Work Authorization Request from the Office of International Student Services 

How many hours can I work during breaks?

During periods like winter break and summer break, students can work up to 29 hours. If you file an off-semester form during the summer, you can work up to 40 hours a week.

Can I work in a building other than where I live?

You can apply at other buildings or even pick up shifts with approval from a Senior Desk Assistant.