Rapid Response and Community Support Specialist

Position Summary:

The Student Affairs Rapid Response and Community Support Specialist is part of the Student Affairs division at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for providing coordinated real-time response to student-related crises incidents and high-impact events across the University. This position plays a critical role in ensuring student safety wellbeing and continuity of care by delivering responsive student-centered interventions and collaborating with campus partners. Reporting directly to the Student Affairs Response Team Manager the Specialist works closely with Public Safety Residential Experience the Student Care Network and other key stakeholders to assess respond to and manage a wide range of complex student situations.

The Student Affairs Rapid Response and Community Support Specialist serves on a highly visible and dynamic response team providing 24/7 on-call support and on-the-ground intervention for student crises demonstrations and emergent situations. This role requires strong judgment discretion and the ability to operate effectively in high-pressure environments. The Specialist coordinates institutional responses facilitates communication among stakeholders and ensures appropriate follow-up and transitions of care for students. Through proactive relationship-building and engagement this position supports a safe responsive and supportive campus environment.

This is a Regular Full-Time Benefits Eligible Exempt onsite role. This position will require evenings and weekends. This position IS NOT eligible for sponsorship.

About the Work Unit:

Student Affairs serves a central role in student learning and development at Vanderbilt advancing the Universitys mission of teaching research and service. Student Affairs at Vanderbilt cultivates vibrant inclusive communities that foster a students sense of belonging and wellbeing through collaborative partnerships transformative learning experiences and an accessible and holistic network of resources. We value connection belonging compassion development and innovation. Our staff are committed to continued growth in knowledge awareness skills and experience engaging with these priorities in a higher education environment.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Serve on the Student Affairs Rapid Response and Community Support Team a comprehensive crisis and incident management system that is responsive flexible and engaged in the University community and provide direct on the ground responses with discretion and effective decision-making.
• Participate in a comprehensive training program for response team staff including crisis response trauma-informed practices mediation and conflict resolution de-escalation techniques and coordination with campus and community partners.
• Build and sustain relationships with students in residential communities student organizations and other spaces.
• Execute 24/7 incident response involving students including individual student crises demonstrations and protests event-related incidents and other emergent situations.
• Coordinate institutional responses to individual student crises including mental health emergencies safety concerns behavioral incidents and other urgent student needs.
• Manage demonstrations protests and high-impact student activities and events ensuring appropriate planning monitoring and response in collaboration with students student organizations and campus partners.
• Participate in the University Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during large-scale events or emergencies involving students.
• Engage with parents related to emergencies crises and/or incidents as needed.
• Coordinate response and support efforts in residence halls or for student living off campus when students require immediate support or intervention.
• Assist with mediation or conflict resolution for conflicts involving students or student groups.
• Elevate issues to the Manager or Associate Dean when needed and ensure clear and consistent documentation of responses.
• Collaborate with campus partners including Public Safety Residential Experience Student Care Network Office of the General Counsel and Communications to ensure coordinated consistent and student-centered responses.
• Coordinate transitions of care following crises or incidents by connecting students to appropriate campus and community resources for ongoing support and follow-up.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Institutional Divisional and Department Administration:
  • Contribute to the broader mission and objectives of Student Affairs and the University by serving on divisional and institutional committees task forces and working groups.
  • Actively participate in key divisional initiatives and events including Move-In Day and all-division meetings and gatherings.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of relevant university policies procedures and systemssuch as those related to travel procurement expense and time reportingto ensure effective compliant and responsible operations.
  • Demonstrate a collaborative spirit by supporting divisional colleagues and engaging in efforts that advance shared goals and strategic priorities.

Job responsibilities listed herein are intended to be a thorough representation of the duties responsibilities expectations and qualifications for this specific role at the time of hire but should not be considered all-encompassing as actual responsibilities may evolve to include additional duties as assigned based on organizational and operational needs.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Student Affairs Rapid Response and Community Support Manager.

Education and Certifications:

• A bachelors degree is necessary.
• A masters degree in higher education counseling social work or a related field is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• At least two years of experience in higher education or crisis response is necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-pressure situations is required.
• Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation is preferred.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills are strongly preferred.