Welfare & Administration Manager (Fixed Term Residential Summer Contract) in Ardingly

Company Description Alpadia's mission is to encourage language development through immersion and to expand the horizons of our students and staff. Our vision for your employment is an exciting opportunity to grow your professional and personal skills as an educator and youth practitioner. Deepen your understanding of child development by applying solution-focused Positive Behaviour Support strategies and conflict resolution techniques to create a stimulating and supportive learning environment. Stay ahead in the field of education and youth practice with our professional development programme designed to advance your career. You will get the opportunity to work in an international team of like-minded, positive people who are dedicated to making a difference through their work. Alpadia employment reflects our values of integrity, support, diversity, knowledge growth, and opportunity.

In 2025 we welcomed 64 different student nationalities to the UK and we are proud of creating this uniquely diverse working environment for our staff members.

Job Description Join ALPADIA's team to make Summer 2026 an unbelievable experience. We are looking for highly motivated people, who have the ability to engage and inspire young students, and who are looking for an enriching and educational experience themselves.

Your role:

• Prioritize the safety of students above all else, implementing our Safeguarding and Health and Safety policies working closely with the Camp Manager.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Staff for the centre, caring for sick students and arranging appropriate medical responses.
• Manage and assist with the student presence-check registers of attendance.
• Liaise with internal (Customer Services team and Sales) and external stakeholders concerning matters of student welfare; responding to and resolving any questions, comments or concerns.
• Manage the communication of transfer plans with students and Group Leaders in order to ensure they have a stress-free departure.
• Help manage students effectively and respectfully, following all Alpadia policies and rules, to ensure they enjoy and contribute fully to all aspects of Alpadia's programme in a spirit of respect towards other students and staff.
• Ensure any safeguarding concerns that come to your attention are dealt with sensitively and escalated appropriately.
• Lead and assist with the training and induction of staff members.
• Create, edit and distribute the Welfare Officer rota.
• Line manage the Welfare Team (Welfare Officers & Night Supervisors), being their main point of initial contact.
• Read the overnight Night Supervisor and distribute any useful information to other members of staff.
• Ensure the administration, in terms of check in, and pocket money etc, is well organized and delivered to ensure the smooth running of the camp and follows all Alpadia procedures and policies, working along with the Camp Manager.
• Manage the allocation of students in accommodation, responding to requests and complaints from internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage the collection and distribution of student pocket money.
• Additional administrative tasks and activities as given by the Camp Manager such as marketing uploads, catering calculations, communicating dietary requirements, completing daily reports, etc.
• Manage students' behaviour at all times, with a judicious awareness of the need to sanction or encourage as appropriate.
• Ensure rules in the residence are followed at all times and the accommodation is kept tidy.
• Ensure the students go to bed and wake up at the appropriate times, directing and managing the wider team as appropriate.
• Assist in the check-in/check-out procedure.
• Cover for the Camp Manager on their day off.
• Take a leading role in daily meetings and contribute towards the ongoing improvement of camp processes discussed during these meetings.
• Contribute to the successful running of the Activity Programme, supporting the Activity Manager and Activity Leaders whenever required.

Qualifications Your profile:

Essential:

• A high degree of IT competency - Outlook & MS Office (specifically Excel).
• Proven experience in a pastoral, welfare, safeguarding, or residential management role with children or young people.
• Experience working in a summer camp, boarding school, or youth programme setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage safeguarding cases, welfare incidents, and behavioural issues professionally and sensitively.
• Experience leading and supporting a team of staff responsible for student welfare and supervision.
• Excellent understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and health and safety procedures.
• Strong communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with children, staff, and parents.
• Competence in managing confidential information and accurate record-keeping.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritise under pressure.
• Knowledge of emergency and incident management in a residential environment.
• Ability to provide effective guidance and emotional support to both students and staff.
• Relevant qualification or equivalent experience in education, youth work, social care, psychology, or pastoral support.
• Empathetic, approachable, and professional.
• Calm, patient, and discreet when dealing with sensitive issues.
• Strong leadership presence with a supportive and positive attitude.
• Reliable, responsible, and committed to student well-being.
• Flexible and adaptable to long hours and changing schedules in a residential environment.

Desirable:

• Experience working in an international or EFL (English as a Foreign Language) summer camp.
• Qualification or additional training in mental health first aid, counselling, or well-being management.
• Experience in staff training or delivering safeguarding briefings.
• Knowledge of another language.
• Experience using administrative or welfare reporting systems.
• Full driving licence (for welfare-related transport or hospital visits).
• Experience organising well-being initiatives or inclusion-focused activities.

Additional Information We offer you:

• A developing and enriching summer experience.
• The chance to make long term connections and friends.
• Meaningful engagement with international students and the chance to give back.
• A sense of belonging with many returning staff members each year.
• Development of your social, relationship and leadership skills.
• Join a booming community of Alpadia staff members who return each year.
• Start or continue your professional development (CPD) in a supportive coaching environment.
• An industry competitive salary.
• Role training and the opportunity for experiential learning throughout.
• An unforgettable experience in a dynamic atmosphere.
• Attractive bonus options for returners and the possibility of career progression.

Location of our course centre and dates of commitment: Ardingly: – Miscellaneous: Typically a residential position with accommodation provided on site.

We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our students therefore all staff employed will be required to provide / undergo an Enhanced DBS check, 3x referee details and overseas conduct certificates where applicable.

Equality and diversity is part of our core purpose. Alpadia summer schools are for everyone. This applies to both our students and our brilliant team of staff.

How to Apply Please apply via SmartRecruiters with your application, CV and cover letter. Please note, we have multiple roles available, and this vacancy will remain open until all positions are filled. We recommend that you apply at your earliest convenience. Only applicants invited to an interview will receive a reply.

Equal Opportunity Statement At Alpadia Language Schools, we are committed to working in a diverse organisation and strive to provide equality of opportunity for all. We encourage and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or identity, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership. If as a disabled applicant (as defined under the Equality Act 2010) you would like to request that your application is considered under Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) please let us know using this form.