Graduate Assistant - Benfica Residential Academy

Job Description Summary

The Graduate Assistant for Benfica Residential Academy serves a dual role supporting traditional university programming while specializing in residential academy programming for minor students (ages 14-18). This position requires expertise in youth protection protocols, residential programming, and comprehensive event management for both university students and minor residential academy participants. The GA works directly with the Director and Assistant Director to deliver safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate programming across both populations.

Job Description

Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Benfica Residential Academy Programming

Program Development and Implementation

• Design, coordinate, and execute age-appropriate educational, cultural, social, and recreational activities for residential academy students (ages 14-18)

• Develop evening and weekend programming that supports academy students' personal development and campus integration

• Collaborate with academy staff to create programming that complements athletic training schedules

• Plan and facilitate special events, tournaments, cultural experiences, and community engagement activities

 

Youth Protection and Supervision

• Maintain strict adherence to all federal K-12 laws, university youth protection policies, and mandatory reporting requirements

• Ensure appropriate supervision ratios and protocols during all programming activities

• Implement crisis management and emergency response procedures specific to minor populations

• Document all incidents and maintain detailed records per youth protection standards

• Coordinate with residential life staff regarding academy student needs and behavioral concerns

 

Compliance and Safety Management

• Monitor compliance with all youth protection policies during programming activities

• Maintain current knowledge of federal regulations affecting residential minor students

• Implement and monitor one-on-one interaction limitations and appropriate boundary protocols

 

University Student Programming

Traditional Student Engagement

• Support planning and implementation of large-scale university events including Fall Family Festival, Spring Fling, University Service Days, and Student Involvement Fair

• Assist in advising Campus Activities Board (CAB), Greek Life, Student Government Union, Community Service, and LEAD Scholars program

• Provide support to student organizations with meeting facilitation, event planning, and organizational development

• Participate in New Student Orientation and Welcome Week activities as facilitator

 

Administrative and Operational Support

Budget and Resource Management

• Assist with budget management for both university and academy programming

• Coordinate vendor relationships and contract processing with enhanced scrutiny for academy-related services

• Maintain equipment inventory and ensure proper storage and security protocols

• Support social media management with appropriate content review for minor-focused programming

 

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain detailed records of all academy programming and participation

• Generate required reports for compliance and assessment purposes

• Coordinate with EngageLeo system for university programming while maintaining separate tracking for academy activities

• Assist with emergency contact management and communication protocols for minor students

 

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree from regionally accredited institution

• Full-time enrollment in Saint Leo University graduate degree program

 

Youth Protection and Legal Requirements:

• Successful completion of comprehensive background check

• Completion of mandatory reporter training and youth protection certification

• Understanding of federal K-12 regulations and minor protection laws including:

  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) - student record privacy

  • Florida mandatory reporting laws (Chapter 39) - immediate reporting of suspected abuse/neglect to Florida Abuse Hotline

  • Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) - internet safety and monitoring requirements

  • Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

  • Title VI/IX anti-discrimination requirements

  • Human trafficking awareness and reporting requirements

• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with minor students and comply with supervision protocols

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of adolescent development and age-appropriate programming

• Excellent crisis management and emergency response capabilities

• Exceptional attention to detail and documentation skills

• Ability to work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends, and emergency situations

• Strong communication skills with minors, parents, university staff, and external partners

• Demonstrated maturity and professional judgment in high-responsibility situations

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management

• Bilingual capabilities preferred (English/Spanish or Portuguese)

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with residential minor populations

• Background in athletics administration or sports programming

• Experience with international student populations

• Training in conflict resolution and crisis intervention

• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)

• Experience with event planning and large group management

 

Professional Development Competencies

Enhanced Focus Areas for Minor Supervision:

• Youth Protection Leadership: Advanced understanding of legal requirements and best practices

• Crisis Management: Immediate response protocols and emergency decision-making

• Cultural Competency: Working with international minor students and families

• Professional Boundaries: Maintaining appropriate relationships with minor students

• Documentation and Compliance: Detailed record-keeping and regulatory adherence

 

Traditional Student Affairs Competencies:

• Leadership: Group facilitation, peer mentoring, and project management

• Communication: Professional writing, public speaking, and multi-audience strategies

• Collaboration: Cross-departmental partnerships and community relations

• Program Assessment: Evaluation methodologies and continuous improvement

 

Working Conditions and Expectations

Schedule and Availability:

• Standard business hours with significant evening and weekend programming responsibilities

• On-call availability for academy student emergencies and critical incidents

• Flexibility to adapt programming based on athletic schedules and academy needs

• Summer programming responsibilities may be required

 

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• Frequent campus travel between residence halls, athletic facilities, and programming venues

• Ability to supervise outdoor activities and adapt to various weather conditions

• Physical requirements include lifting up to 25 pounds and extended periods of standing/walking

• High-stress environment requiring calm decision-making and crisis response capabilities

 

Supervision and Training

Initial Training Requirements:

• Comprehensive youth protection training (40+ hours) including federal/state legal requirements

• Florida mandatory reporter certification - understanding duty to report suspected abuse/neglect immediately

• FERPA compliance training for student record privacy and confidentiality

• University emergency response protocols and crisis management

• Academy-specific policies and supervision procedures

• Cultural competency training for international students

• Digital safety and appropriate technology use with minors

 

Ongoing Professional Development:

• Monthly supervision meetings with Director focusing on both university and academy responsibilities

• Quarterly training updates on youth protection and regulatory changes

• Professional development opportunities specific to residential minor programming

• Access to specialized conferences and workshops in youth development and athletics administration

 

Compensation and Benefits

• Enhanced graduate assistantship stipend reflecting specialized responsibilities

• Tuition remission benefits per university policy

• Professional development fund for specialized training and certifications

• Comprehensive liability coverage for work with minor populations

Why Work at Saint Leo?

What it’s Like to Work Here: Ask our employees and the one word they’d use to describe working at Saint Leo University is “Community.” Our team members all share the Saint Leo core values, positive attitudes, and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to provide excellent student centered service. Our mission is educating and preparing students for life and leadership in a challenging world.  Thank you for your interest in joining the Saint Leo PRIDE!

We are committed to providing our employees with the support they need. At Saint Leo, we offer an array of medical, dental, and vision packages as well as several add-on perks to make your benefits package truly customizable to you and your family needs. Available benefits based on employment status (Full Time vs Part Time).

• FREE Tuition - Employee, Spouse, and Dependents*
• Tuition Exchange Opportunity - Dependent of Employees*
• Generous Paid Leave - Sick, Vacation, and Holidays
• Comprehensive Group Health Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Group Medical Plan includes Teledoc, Surgery Plus, Wellness Incentive Program and more!
• 100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account
• 100% Employer-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program (healthcare and dependent options)
• Employer-provided life insurance
• Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans
• Nationwide Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Wellness Center

*Eligibility based on meeting required service period

2025 ICUBA Benefits Guide_St Leo