At a Glance
- Tasks: Help international students find safe accommodation and support their welfare needs.
- Company: Join a vibrant college in Cambridge dedicated to student success and well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days of annual leave and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working in a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for helping others and good communication skills.
- Other info: This role involves emergency support outside office hours on a rota basis.
The predicted salary is between 26825 - 28629 £ per year.
The primary purpose of this job role is to:
- Source quality accommodation and assess Homestays for international students, including safeguarding and health and safety checks.
- Ensure that student welfare and social needs are met during their programme of study.
- Coordinate with ESOL admissions, visa applications, and compliance processes, checking eligibility for funding against the criteria.
- Support administrative, marketing, and recruitment activities within the International Office as required.
The primary duties, tasks, and responsibilities of this job role are to:
Accommodation- Liaise with International Centre Manager to identify student accommodation needs prior to students’ arrival.
- Coordinate placements of students in homestay, residences, and private accommodation, ensuring safeguarding and health and safety checks.
- Act as the first point of contact for all accommodation enquiries.
- Develop and maintain a good supply of student accommodation.
- Maintain a database of accommodation options.
- Ensure safeguarding of students by undertaking homestay accommodation inspections annually, including DBS, health and safety, safeguarding, and homestay checks on all accommodation providers.
- Coordinate feedback from homestay families and students to ensure high satisfaction rates.
- Generate new Homestay family opportunities.
- Record changes in homestay circumstances and update files.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date student accommodation records.
- Support health and safety checks, ensuring all documentation is completed and filed.
- Liaise with the International Centre Manager and/or students’ personal tutors regarding accommodation issues during students’ stay and record notes on College systems.
- Act as a first point of contact for all welfare and accommodation issues for international students throughout the year.
- Identify safeguarding concerns and refer them to college support services as appropriate.
- Act as a first point of contact for emergency calls from international students, group leaders, and homestay outside of office hours (Monday to Friday plus weekends on a rota basis).
- Provide advice to students regarding access to GP and Dentists during their stay.
- Coordinate a social programme for international students throughout the year.
- Participate in meet and greet teams for student groups and attend departure briefings.
- Organise transport for students (weekly bus passes, airport transfers, and coach bookings for social activities).
- Ensure admissions processes for international and ESOL student applications are completed in line with college and UKVI requirements, including visa application checks.
- Maintain accurate records and liaise with finance to process payments to homestay families.
- Ensure timely homestay payments and manage late payments in coordination with Finance.
- Support the international target achievement for sales (Homestay), new business, or income generation.
The resource management responsibilities of this role are:
Financial: NonePeople Management: None
Other: None
Special conditions or working arrangements applicable to this role include:
This post is defined as regulated activity. The postholder is required to hold an enhanced DBS disclosure check deemed acceptable to the College. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Accommodation, Activities & Welfare Officer employer: FreeSpirits
Contact Detail:
FreeSpirits Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accommodation, Activities & Welfare Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local accommodation options in Cambridge. Understanding the types of housing available and their pros and cons will help you speak confidently about them during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education and welfare sectors. Attend local events or join online forums to connect with others who work with international students, as they can provide valuable insights and potentially refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding policies and health and safety regulations. Being well-versed in these areas will demonstrate your commitment to student welfare and make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with administrative tasks and how you've managed similar responsibilities in the past. Highlighting your organisational skills and attention to detail will be crucial for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Accommodation, Activities & Welfare Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in accommodation management, student welfare, and administrative support. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to coordinate and manage student needs effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities of the role. Emphasise your experience with safeguarding, health and safety checks, and your ability to liaise with various stakeholders, such as students and accommodation providers.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, highlight skills that are crucial for this role, such as communication, problem-solving, and organisational abilities. Mention any experience you have with managing databases or coordinating social programmes for students.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is essential for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at FreeSpirits
✨Research the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure to understand the key responsibilities of the Accommodation, Activities & Welfare Officer. Familiarise yourself with the importance of safeguarding and health and safety checks, as well as the needs of international students.
✨Prepare Examples of Past Experiences
Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed accommodation or welfare issues. Be ready to discuss how you handled challenges and what outcomes you achieved, especially in a multicultural environment.
✨Show Your Understanding of Student Welfare
Demonstrate your commitment to student welfare by discussing how you would approach safeguarding concerns and support international students. Highlight any relevant experience you have in providing advice or coordinating social programmes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. Inquire about the current challenges they face in accommodation management or how they measure student satisfaction, showing your genuine interest in contributing to their success.