RESIDENT HOUSE ASSISTANT

St Leonards is an HMC and IB World School situated in the vibrant, historic and cosmopolitan university town of St Andrews and makes the most of its special location. St Leonards has its own self-contained campus in the heart of the town and is in the enviable position of offering an exceptional range of academic, sporting, musical and creative possibilities.

From its vantage point in one of the most inspiring locations in the UK, St Leonards provides an outstanding education - combining exceptional academic achievement with a happy, friendly atmosphere and a world of opportunity.

St Leonards is close to sandy beaches, historic landmarks and stunning countryside. Edinburgh and Dundee Airports are within easy reach - approximately an hour’s flight from London. The school has close links with the University of St Andrews, one of the most prestigious universities in the UK.

Due to internal expansion, a small number of Resident House Assistant roles are now available within our Boarding team. Working approximately 35 hours per week during term time only (with an additional 14 hours availability to provide cover), the Resident House Assistant will ensure the highest quality care and welfare of residential students, aged from 12 to 19 years. The role will also involve supervisory and care responsibilities for the School’s day students.

The post-holder is a member of the School’s Boarding team and will report directly to the Housemaster/Housemistress in which he/she is resident. Ultimately the Resident House Assistant is accountable to the Headmaster.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Maintain effective communication with the Housemaster/Housemistress to plan for and carry out daily, weekly, termly duties under their direction.

Supervise boarding students at all times; from early morning routines through to lights out.

Maintain high expectations and levels of discipline to encourage students to be polite, punctual, diligent and supportive of one another.

Foster the physical, social, cultural and spiritual development of all students, both boarding and day students.

Be familiar with the Student Handbook and encourage the high standards of appearance and behaviour, which are required of St Leonards’ students.

Adopt a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment, alcohol or substance abuse, raising any concerns to the Housemaster/Housemistress or Deputy Head (Pastoral).

Undertake house duties which may include general cleaning and tidying, laundry etc. as and when required.

Accompany students for weekend or evening trips, sporting fixtures etc.

Help students and colleagues to organise social events for students.

Working closely with boarding colleagues, administer and oversee travel arrangements at the start and end of term/half term for boarding students. This will involve the Resident House Assistant accompanying students to the airport to catch flights.

Ensure that office practice is observed in the duty room areas during office hours; 7.00am to 11.00pm.

Under the direction of the Housemaster/Housemistress, liaise with the School’s Medical Centre and parents with regards to the general health and welfare of both boarding and day students.

Monitor the security of the Boarding House and challenge students and/or visitors if that security is deemed to be breached.

Working closely with the Estates team, report any breakages, faults or general wear and tear of materials, fixtures and fittings with a view to repair or replacement.

Working in conjunction with Admissions and Marketing departments, welcome visitors and prospective families to the Boarding House and conduct tours of the House, as and when required.

Raise ICT requests through the Helpdesk for any problems encountered e.g. wi-fi connectivity, printer issues, on behalf of boarding students.

Maintain awareness of Health & Safety regulations, applying Health and Safety principles within the Boarding House and carrying out spot checks, as and when required.

Hold regular fire practices and test the fire alarm on a weekly basis, documenting these on behalf of the Fire Officer. Should the fire alarm sound when on duty, participate in the evacuation of the boarding house along with other boarding colleagues.

Attend house staff meetings and lead student boarder meetings within the house, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Within three years of obtaining SSSC registration, the post holder will be required to obtain the Children and Young People Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ3).

REQUIRED CERTIFICATION

Registration with the Scottish Social Services Council is required for this post and must occur within six months of starting the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Criteria / Essential / Desirable
Education, Training and Qualifications /
  • Educated to HND/Degree level.
/
  • SVQ3 Children and Young People qualification.

Experience /
  • Experience and understanding of pastoral support.
  • Relevant experience of working in a care environment.
/
  • Experience of working with teenage students in an education setting.

Skills /
  • Ability to listen to, understand and support the issues faced by teenage students.
  • Good oral and written communication skills with an excellent telephone manner.
  • Strong ICT skills.
  • Enthusiasm to inspire in students a desire to learn and participate.
/
  • Skills and experience which can contribute to extra-curricular activities.

Interpersonal skills /
  • Ability to confidently deal with a wide range of people including staff, students and parents.
  • Resilient.
  • An ‘above and beyond’ attitude to work and supporting the team.
  • Approachable and empathetic to the needs of others.
  • Able to handle sensitive, confidential issues with a degree of maturity and professionalism.
  • Ability to work independently and use initiative where appropriate.
  • Well-organised with excellent attention to detail.
  • Ability to work calmly under pressure.
  • Commitment, goodwill and a caring, positive outlook towards life.
  • Flexible: Able to deal with a change of plans at very short notice.
  • Professional manner and appearance.
/
  • Empathy with teenage children and the benefits of secondary education.
  • Comfortable working with people from a variety of backgrounds, countries and cultures.

REMUNERATION

Dependent upon qualifications and experience.

HOW TO APPLY

The completed Application Form should be sent to:

Steven Robertson

HR Officer

St Leonards

St Andrews

Fife

KY16 9QJ

Alternatively, the application can be emailed to Steven Robertson, HR Officer, at:

The closing date for applications will be 9.00am on Wednesday 16 May 2018.

Please note, this post is subject to two satisfactory references, one of which must be your current or most recent employer.