1. Position Summary and Job Magnitude

The Peer Athletic Leader (PAL) is a hired student leader in partnership with the Department of Athletics and Recreation; who is expected to act as a role model, mentor, resource, promote and encourage healthy living and general fitness on campus, and support to students living residence. The primary objective of the PAL as part of the Residence Life Department and the Department of Athletics and Recreation, is to foster a community environment that eases the student transition into college/university, and supports the physical wellness of residence students. The PAL is required to reside in residence and be responsible for facilitating social and athletic programs such as; recreational events, varsity game day engagement and general Athletics & Recreation sports, fitness and activities, while creating a safe, respectful environment.

2. Essential Functions and Basic Duties

General Responsibilities

• PALs are expected to give the responsibilities of the position priority over all other activities except those which pertain to their academic success.
• PALs may be required to work between 0-16 hours per week.
• Wear the PAL uniform as directed.
• Read, understand, and model the expectations of student behaviour detailed in the Resident Advisor Conditional Offer of Employment, the Student Resident Agreement (SRA), the Residence Handbook, the Residence Community Living Standards (RCLS), Athletics and Recreation policies and procedures, and associated residence and college/university handbooks, policies and procedures.
• Be visible, approachable, and accessible during scheduled shifts and associated duties.
• Serve as a positive role model for others at all times; behaving in a manner that exemplifies the values of the residence and college/university community, maintaining high standards of personal conduct, and understanding that intimate personal relations with Residents are unwise.
• Attend all scheduled meetings, including but not limited to:
  • A one-hour weekly staff meeting; and
  • Regular individual reporting meetings with the Residence Life Coordinator (or designate) and Campus Recreation Coordinator (or designate).
• Attend all scheduled training sessions, including but not limited to:
  • Residence Life Staff Property Training Program (1-3 weeks in July and August);
    • Including First Aid Training in August; and
  • In-service training sessions (1-2 hours/month and 1 day in January).
  • Department of Athletics and Recreation Training (1 day in September).
• Remain in the residence or on campus during scheduled shifts and/or while ‘on duty.'
• Complete all other duties as required by Residence Management and Campus Recreation Management
• Attend recruitment events such as Open House, Program Information Night, Ridgeback Welcome

Programming and Community Development

• Collaborate with the Campus Recreation Coordinator, Varsity Game Day & Events staff and other Department of Athletics & Recreation staff to facilitate a safe, fun, fair play sporting environment for all participants
• Provide front line customer service at the Residence through drop-in office hours/promotional tabling (i.e. to assist with intramural registration)
• Organize and facilitate weekly promotional tables to communicate Durham College and Ontario Tech varsity home games, recreational programming and special events
• Plan two (2) recreational events and activities across various campus facilities per month
• Organize four or more varsity game events each semester (2 Durham Lords – 2 Ridgebacks):
  • Create flyers and posters to promote special events (to be approved by Event Coordinators)
  • Create social media event posts and submit to Residence Life Coordinator (to be approved by Event Coordinators)
  • Liaise with Varsity Game Day & Events Coordinators to select dates, plan in-game initiatives, themes (i.e. Beach Night, Country Night, Bell Let's Talk) and giveaways
  • Act as Event Day Leader which includes bringing students over as a group to event from Residence alongside helping Varsity Event Coordinator execute in-game promotional activities
• Create a plan to build a sustainable student section at varsity home games that create a strong home field/court advantage-type atmosphere for various sports
• Encourage all residents to become involved in Residence, and campus activities.
• All other related duties as required and/or assigned by the Campus Recreation Coordinator and Varsity Game Day & Events staff

Administration

• Complete all assigned administrative tasks, including but not limited to: Incident Reports, Person of Concern Reports, Program Event Request Forms (PERFs), Program Evaluations, Waivers, End of Shift Reports, etc.

Student Support/Safety in Residence

• Respond to questions and concerns raised by the community in a timely and responsible manner.
• Refer residents to appropriate resources as required.
• Respond to and provide assistance during residence emergencies or student crises by reporting to a Residence Manager or Manager of the Department of Athletics and Recreation
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality in regards to resident issues.

Networking/Relationship Building

• Work in co-operation with other staff including but not limited to: Resident Advisors (RA), Residence Life Coordinators (RLCs), the Residence Life Manager (RLM), the General Manager (GM), the Operations Manager (OM), Residence Service Representatives (RSR), other residence and college staff, student leadership groups and community partners.
• Serve as a liaison between the Residence Staff, The Department of Athletics and Recreation, the college/university, and students.

Crisis and Emergency Response

• Report any and all incidents, that in any way concern the Residence that become your knowledge, to a member of the Residence Management Team in a timely manner (incidents include, but are not limited to, Ambulance, Police, or Fire officials being called to the residence, any breaches of residence rules or illegal acts in residence).

Health & Safety

• Work in the manner and with the protective devices, measures and procedures required by the OHSA, regulations, and Campus Living Centres (e.g. wearing safety shoes, confining hair, jewelry, or loose clothing around moving parts, etc.).
• Online training modules and in-person training must be completed before starting regular duties.
• WHMIS 2015 and GHS system, and standard operating procedures training must be completed prior to beginning regular duties.

3. Performance Measurements

Performance will be primarily measured on the following factors:

• Adaptability & Flexibility
• Communication
• Customer Service
• Initiative
• Interpersonal Skills
• Leadership
• Organization & Planning
• Overall Performance
• Quality of Desired Results
• Reliability
• Skill & Knowledge

4. Qualifications

• Education:
  • Must be currently enrolled as a full-time student at the institution where the candidate will be working.
  • Must live in residence for the duration of their contract.
  • Must maintain a minimum GPA of 65% throughout the duration of their employment.
  • Previous sport-related experience (i.e. participant, coach, referee/official, timekeeper/scorekeeper)
  • Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
  • Possess good teamwork and leadership skills
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Responsible, punctual and reliable
  • Outstanding attention to detail, organizational, time management and planning skills
  • Flexible schedule (evening and weekend work may be required)
  • Previous experience in Athletics & Recreation sports and activities an asset
  • Previous leadership experience is an asset.

• Skills/Abilities:
  • Must possess superior verbal communication skills.
  • Must possess above average customer service skills.
  • Must possess superior attitude towards learning.
  • Must be able to handle multiple projects at once.
  • A passion for leadership; excellent communication skills; positive attitude; team player.
  • Demonstrated positive contribution to the residence community (and a clean student conduct record).

5. Working Conditions

Hours per Week: 0 to 16 hours per week

Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor + Outdoor

Level of Interruption: High level of interruption

Stress Level: Moderate overall stress level

Travel Outside of Location: Rare