Job Description:

Residential Experience Officer Location: Northamptonshire
Salary: £24,897.12 – £26,425.38 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week, 40 weeks per year
Working pattern: Some evening and weekend working required
Department: Safeguarding and Wellbeing

Think FE are recruiting a Residential Experience Officer to join the Safeguarding and Wellbeing team at a well-established further education college in Northamptonshire. This is a varied and rewarding role supporting students living in college accommodation and helping to create a safe, inclusive and positive residential community.

You’ll play an important part in students’ experience outside the classroom, combining pastoral support, student engagement, safeguarding and residential supervision. It would suit someone who is confident working with young people, able to build positive relationships and comfortable responding calmly and professionally when challenges arise.
The role Working closely with the Residential Coordinator and wider Safeguarding and Wellbeing team, you will:

• Help create a welcoming, inclusive and supportive community within the college’s residential accommodation.
• Provide pastoral support and an independent listening service to students, referring concerns appropriately when additional support is required.
• Plan, encourage and supervise social, sporting, volunteering and community activities for residential students.
• Support student induction and help new residents integrate successfully into college life.
• Promote positive behaviour and uphold the college’s Student Code of Conduct and residential regulations.
• Support students during evening activities and help maintain appropriate standards of behaviour outside the normal teaching day.
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding, welfare and behavioural concerns.
• Help protect students from bullying, intimidation, abuse and other inappropriate behaviour.
• Inspect bedrooms and communal areas, reporting maintenance issues and helping to maintain suitable residential standards.
• Support fire, health and safety procedures, including responding appropriately to alarms and emergencies.
• Liaise with students, parents and guardians, internal college teams and external agencies.
• Complete relevant administration, reports and records relating to the residential provision.
• Contribute to preparations for Ofsted inspection of residential provision for students under 18.

What we’re looking for You’ll need to be someone who can combine a caring and approachable manner with the confidence to set clear boundaries.
Essential requirements include:

• GCSE Maths and English Language at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent.
• Experience working in a similar role.
• A commitment to continued professional development.
• A First Aid at Work qualification, or willingness to undertake one.
• A full driving licence.
• Ability to drive a minibus or willingness to complete the required training.
• Excellent communication and active listening skills.
• A sensitive, discreet and professional approach.
• Strong organisation skills and the ability to use your own initiative.
• Confidence when challenging inappropriate behaviour.
• Ability to relate positively to young people from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate with different stakeholders and produce written reports.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and a commitment to protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• Willingness to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

Experience within a residential environment, FE or HE setting would be advantageous, as would qualifications in youth work, residential work or social care. A degree-level qualification or equivalent is also desirable.
Benefits Alongside the opportunity to make a genuine difference to students’ day-to-day experience, the college offers a range of staff benefits, including:

• 33 days’ holiday including bank/public holidays, pro rata where applicable.
• Free on-site parking.
• Discounted on-site gym membership.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• 10% discount on college courses.
• High street discounts.
• Staff wellbeing programme.
• Opportunity for an annual volunteering day.

Benefits may be subject to eligibility and scheme conditions.
Important information Candidates will be required to provide evidence of their eligibility to work in the UK as part of the recruitment process. The college advises that this position is unlikely to qualify for visa sponsorship.
Next steps Once you've applied, one of our friendly further education consultants will give you a call to discuss this opportunity. The college will move quickly for the right applicant, and they have a simple and concise interview process. Think FE Ltd. are acting as an employment business for this position. Working for/with Think FE Ltd. is subject to agreement to our Terms and Conditions.

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