Retreat Support Associate; RSA; Extra

Retreat Support Associate (RSA)

Spirit Rock is seeking experienced insight meditation practitioners to provide as-needed coverage for its Retreat Support Associate (RSA) role. RSAs stay on campus during residential retreats and support the physical and emotional well-being of retreatants engaged in intensive meditation practice.

Extra Hire RSAs work alongside our full-time RSAs. Shifts are shared, with the two RSAs alternating as the primary point of contact so that support is available around the clock while retreats are in session.

This is a temporary, as-needed position for someone with a flexible schedule who would like to be part of the Retreat Operations team on a part-time basis. Shifts are offered based on retreat needs and may range from a single overnight 24 hour shift to the full length of a retreat. Hours are not guaranteed.

Responsibilities

• Support the physical and emotional welfare of retreatants during residential retreats. This may include picking up prescriptions, accompanying a sick or injured person to urgent care or the emergency room, or helping ease a retreat ant's distress (for example, talking over tea, taking a walk, or sitting together in silence) so they can either continue their retreat or leave to return to the support of family or an appropriate care setting.
• Serve as the on-call RSA during scheduled shifts, including overnight hours, and respond to requests ranging from practical assistance to emergencies.
• Work closely with teaching teams and Retreat Operations staff regarding any current or potential medical or psychological concerns involving retreatants.
• Follow departmental protocols, including those for supporting the early departure of retreatants due to illness, injury, or other urgent circumstances.
• Complete clear, timely incident and follow-up reports, and take part in post-incident debriefs.
• Coordinate shift handoffs with full-time RSAs to ensure continuous coverage.
• Attend staff and teacher lunch meetings during retreats to discuss retreat ant needs.
• Attend some meditation instructions and dharma talks to be a familiar presence for retreatants and stay aware of the instructions being offered.
• Complete RSA training (virtual and in-person) before working independent shifts.

Required Qualifications

• Meditation retreat experience:
  Insight (Vipassana) meditation retreat experience in the Theravada tradition. Long-term retreat experience and recent retreat experience at Spirit Rock, IMS, or Insight Retreat Center are preferred.
• Understanding of retreat states:
  Familiarity with the physical, psychological, and emotional states that can arise during intensive meditation practice, and the ability to recognize when a retreat ant may need additional support.
• Composure:
  Ability to stay calm, build rapport quickly, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Communication and teamwork:
  Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with teachers and staff.
• Adaptability:
  Comfort with changing needs, priorities, and schedules, including overnight hours and short-notice requests.
• Confidentiality:
  Discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive, private information.
• Cultural responsiveness:
  Ability to interact with care and respect with people of all backgrounds.
• Documentation:
  Ability to write clear, concise reports.
• Technology:
  Comfortable using a smartphone for calls and texting, Slack, Gmail, and Google Workspace. Familiarity with Microsoft Office is helpful.
• Driving:
  Valid driver's license and a driving record that meets Spirit Rock's insurance requirements. The role requires driving for urgent situations, sometimes with retreatants as passengers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Training that builds capacity to support people in distress, such as counseling, chaplaincy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), trauma-sensitive practice, somatic experiencing, and/or nonviolent communication.
• Previous on-call or crisis-response experience.
• Background in psychology or the mental health field.
• Training in diversity, equity, inclusion, or cross-cultural issues.
• Participation in a Vipassana meditation training program, such as Spirit Rock or IMS Teacher Training, Community Dharma Leader, or Dedicated Practitioner Programs.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Moving around Spirit Rock's 411-acre campus, including paved and unpaved outdoor paths, in varying weather.
• Being available on campus for the full shift, including overnight, and responding promptly when called.
• Driving a vehicle, including at night and in adverse…