Dorm Parents are essential members of the Rectory School community. The Dorm Parent plays a central role in creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive residential environment for boarding students. This position involves supervising students, managing dormitory operations, and fostering a sense of community while supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development. This position combines supervision, student support, and community involvement, with opportunities to coach or lead activities. Potentially coach an athletic team or assist with after-school activities.
Dorm parents report to the Director of Residential Life.
Key Responsibilities
Student Supervision & Support
- Provide supervision, ensuring student safety, well-being, and appropriate behavior.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with students and serve as a mentor and role model.
- Monitor student routines, including wake-up, study hall, activities, curfews, and lights out.
- Support students’ personal, social, and emotional needs; communicate concerns to counseling and Director of Residential Life.
- Transport students to school-sponsored events and activities (school vehicle provided).
- Communicate effectively with parents, faculty, and administrators as needed.
Dormitory Management
- Must live in on-campus housing provided by school.
- Enforce dorm rules, school policies, and behavioral expectations consistently.
- Conduct regular room checks to ensure cleanliness, safety, and compliance with standards.
- Oversee dormitory facilities, report maintenance needs and ensure communal areas are well kept.
- Assist with orientation and transition for new students and families.
Community Building
- Create an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming dorm culture.
- Plan and supervise activities as needed.
- Encourage positive peer interactions and help mediate conflicts when necessary.
Communication & Collaboration
- Maintain open communication with parents/guardians regarding student well-being.
- Work closely with teachers, administrators, counselors, and other residential life staff.
- Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and training required by the school.
Safety & Crisis Response
- Respond to emergencies, health concerns, or behavioral issues calmly and effectively.
- Maintain student records, incident reports, and documentation as required.
- Ensure compliance with school safety protocols, including fire drills and medical procedures.
Work Schedule
- Supervise students in the dorm two weeknights per week, including evening study hall or activity.
- Participate in the weekend duty rotation, including dorm coverage, on-campus activities, and chaperoning trips. The weekend rotation involves approximately 16 weekends on duty during the academic year.
Personal Attributes
- Compassionate, patient, and student centered.
- Culturally competent and inclusive.
- Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic residential environment.
- Responsible, dependable and able to maintain confidentiality.
- Positive, energetic, and committed to the school’s mission.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree preferred (education, counseling or related fields helpful).
- Experience working with adolescents in a residential, educational, or youth development setting.
- Ability to maintain boundaries while offering warmth, guidance, and structure.
- Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Compassion, patience, and enthusiasm for working with middle school-aged students.
- Valid CT driver’s license required.
- Dorm parents are required to have a PSL endorsement on their CT driver’s license.
- CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
- This position requires the ability to work evenings, weekends, and overnights as part of a rotating schedule.
- Must live in on-campus housing provided by the school.
- Employment at Rectory School is contingent upon successful completion of a drug screening and a background check.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive compensation based on experience.
- On campus housing is provided.
- Meals are provided when on duty.
- Access to campus amenities: fitness center, gymnasium, rink times, athletic fields, and campus trails
- Professional development and coaching opportunities.
- Supportive wellness resources and a safe campus environment
How to Apply
Please email a cover letter, resume, and three references to Justin Bendall, Director of Residential Life at justin.bendall@rectoryschool.org
