Purpose/Goal of this Program The Resident Ministry program is designed to provide each University of San Diego student with opportunities for spiritual growth that complements and amplifies their academic and social development.
The Resident Ministry program has three primary goals. The primary objective is to build a supportive and vibrant community in the residence halls where each individual is appreciated, included and empowered to participate fully in the life of the community. Second, RMs strive to facilitate the holistic personal growth of each student through purposeful programming and a consistent ministry of presence. Finally, Resident Ministers invite and encourage students to be intentional about their spiritual development, serving as a resource as they strive to balance their academic and co-curricular involvements.
Resident Ministers are an embodiment of the Catholic ideal of “cura personalis”, care of the whole person. Such concern holistic personal development is demonstrated by their commitment of time and energy to programs provided by themselves, University Ministry, Residence Life and other student services, as well as providing individual pastoral care and spiritual companioning.
USD is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to affirmative action and to excellence through diversity. The University provides reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities upon request.
II Qualifications Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to contribute to the mission of the university, to support the Catholic identity and heritage of the university, and to work in an inclusive and culturally diverse community.
Minimally, the Resident Minister should have a Bachelors degree and ministerial experience with youth or college aged students. Strong preference will be given to those working toward a Masters degree at USD. Other qualifications to be considered:
• Skill in developing spiritual growth activities for college students • Knowledge of Catholic faith and practices • Ability to communicate faith through formal programs and informal relational settings • Ability to support and guide students in life/faith issues • Ability to work effectively in both a team setting and individually • Possess good organizational skills
III Job Description • The Resident Minister provides pastoral care and presence in the residence halls. The person in this position provides holistic programming that reflects and fosters the Catholic heritage of USD. Program activities are designed to help the students in their residential area to integrate faith and life, to strengthen their commitment to justice and service, and to develop as “leaders committed to ethical conduct and compassionate service”. • The Resident Minister is to make herself or himself available to residents, the Resident Assistants, Community Director, Resident Faculty, Faculty Director, Linked Faculty and other University staff as a pastoral presence, and to work with them in supporting and/or carrying out meaningful programs and activities which enhance the learning environment on campus. Resident Ministers are assigned to build community in the entire residential area where they live. • Through personal contact with students and staff in the hall and around the campus, the Resident Minister, in cooperation with efforts with other Resident Ministers, becomes recognized as a valuable resource for all members of the campus community.
IV Reporting Relationships • Resident Ministers serve under the coordinator of Resident Ministry. • The Resident Minster position is a ten-month assignment (housing is provided for twelve months). Renewal of this employment is by invitation of the coordinator of Resident Ministry. • The Resident Minister is required to meet regularly with the Community Director of their area and to collaborate with all Residential Life staff and faculty, especially Resident Assistants, in carrying out their responsibilities.
V Required Duties and Responsibilities The Resident Minister must be available at least 15 hours per week (occasionally the position may require up to 25 hours per week, especially during August training) to serve in the Residence Hall, throughout the campus, and in collaboration with University Ministry and Residence Life. Within those 15 hours per week, the Resident Minister is engaged in the following:
1. Collaboration with Residential Life • Attend and participate in weekly Residential Life meetings. • Meet monthly with the area Community Director to discuss area-wide trends and needs. • Attend other meetings as necessary. • In consultation with Community Director, plan and implement the RA Self Care Program. • Support LLC’s/RLC’s in the area with programming and staffing support. • Attend co-curricular events with residents.
2. Collaboration with University Ministry • Regularly attend and assist with campus liturgies, especially Sunday evening Masses in Founders Chapel. • Attend campus wide programming open to all students, including monthly Spirituality is Served monthly community dinners. • Actively promote and offer personal invitations to residents for involvement in key University Ministry programs, e.g. retreats, service opportunities, immersion trips.
3. Resident Ministry • Plan and facilitate a weekly faith sharing group for all residents; work closely with at least one RA to plan and facilitate the group as well as to recruit students to attend. • As necessary, plan and implement programs with Resident Assistant(s) to build community and promote students’ holistic personal development. • Provide purposeful presence and pastoral companioning to residents, including support of students in crisis or who otherwise need additional support. • Attend Resident Ministry training and formation sessions in August and throughout the year. • Meet with Resident Minister Team twice a month for on-going formation and development. • Meet with Resident Ministry Coordinator for bi-weekly supervision and complete weekly activity log.
VI Additional duties may be required, including but not limited to: • Notify a student regarding a family emergency. • Provide pastoral care, crisis intervention and appropriate referrals. • Make visits to students who may be hospitalized, or have experienced a loss in their family. • Work on special projects or committees.
VII Hiring Procedures
In cooperation with Human Resources, the coordinator of Resident Ministry will identify available positions, solicit applicants, and arrange for interviews for the purpose of hiring Resident Ministers. After an initial interview with the coordinator of Resident Ministry, subsequent interviews with University Ministry and Residential Life staff follow for qualified candidates.
VIII Benefits
• Each minister will be provided a furnished apartment (includes a twin bed, dresser, couch, desk, chair, lamps, and a refrigerator) available from August 1st through July 20th. • Each Resident Minister will receive $1,000 each semester. • The monthly service charge for the phone and the monthly fee for voicemail are paid by University Ministry. Resident Minister will be billed for any off-campus calls made.
For a more detailed job description and instructions on how to apply, please email Michael Lovette-Colyer at mlovettecolyer@sandiego.edu. |