At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in a vibrant residential community, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
- Company: Join ARU, a global university known for its innovative and inclusive education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting young people and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working culture with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 31236 - 36636 £ per year.
About ARU
ARU is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research. ARU holds a Gold award for the quality of its education, awarded through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). ARU’s research institutes and four faculties bridge scientific, technical and creative fields. We deliver impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities. Our academic excellence has been recognised by the UK’s Higher Education funding bodies, with 16 of our research areas assessed as world leading. We are the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the East of England, and we are also among the UK’s leading universities for degree apprenticeship provision, working with hundreds of employers across the UK. At our ARU Writtle campus, we specialise in animal, environmental, agricultural and horticultural courses, for learners aged 16 to 18, adult learners, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
About The Role
As a Residential Student Support Officer, you will provide out of hours safeguarding and pastoral support across our FE and HE residential community, contributing to student welfare, community engagement and inspection readiness. Based within our vibrant residential community, you will play a key role in safeguarding and supporting students living on campus across both FE and HE provision. From responding to welfare concerns and delivering needs led 1:1 pastoral meetings for our residential students, to contributing to the safeguarding of our LBSET residents such as at curfew and with IRDP implementation and statutory practice, you will help students feel safe, supported and connected. You will also support the planning and delivery of welfare and community activities and events, helping to create a positive residential experience. Alongside direct student support, you will maintain accurate safeguarding and case records, monitor at risk students and respond to residential student welfare check requests, contributing to compliance with National Minimum Standards and SCCIF. This is a hands‑on, out of hours, role requiring independent judgement, emotional resilience and the confidence to make safeguarding decisions within established frameworks. Through everyday interactions, safeguarding decisions and meaningful engagement, you will play a vital part in protecting and positively shaping the lives of young people in our residential community.
Working Pattern
- 4 on 4 off shift pattern, 18:00 to 02:00, September to June
- Attendance at scheduled team days and pre‑term prep/training required in September (core hours - included in 1009 hours)
- Paid holiday entitlement included in salary, with designated breaks at Christmas/New Year and Easter
About You
You will bring experience of supporting young people or adults in challenging or emotionally demanding situations, ideally within a safeguarding, residential, FE or HE context. You will demonstrate empathy, resilience and sound professional judgement, alongside a clear understanding of statutory responsibilities relevant to an under 18 provision. You will need a Degree or be part qualified in a relevant professional qualification or have a demonstrable amount of experience and evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the role. You will be confident working independently, able to prioritise under pressure and comfortable navigating safeguarding responsibilities within a regulated environment. Strong communication and IT skills are essential, and you will be organised and detail focused, maintaining accurate documentation to inspection standards. Alongside this, you will have the ability to coordinate processes, liaise effectively with stakeholders and contribute to purposeful enrichment that enhances student experience. If you are motivated by helping students navigate complex moments while supporting a safe, structured and thriving residential community, within a regulated environment, we would welcome your application.
Informal enquiries can be made to Tracey Coop, Residential Student Support Manager at tracey.coop@aru.ac.uk.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that ARU will carry out online searches as part of the due diligence on short listed candidates. All appointments at ARU Writtle are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced criminal records with Children’s Barred List check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We have a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. Committed to being inclusive and open to discuss flexible working.
Residential Student Support Officer in Writtle employer: Anglia Ruskin University
Contact Detail:
Anglia Ruskin University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Student Support Officer in Writtle
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role and the university! Research ARU and its values, especially around student welfare and community engagement. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former Residential Student Support Officers on LinkedIn or at events. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy, resilience, and sound judgement. The interviewers will want to see how you handle challenging situations, so be ready to share your stories.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the vibrant residential community at ARU.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Student Support Officer in Writtle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Residential Student Support Officer. Use keywords from the job description and relate your skills and experiences directly to what we’re looking for. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. Highlight your key achievements and skills that are relevant to the role without fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Anglia Ruskin University
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Residential Student Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with safeguarding practices and the specific needs of students in both FE and HE contexts. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
In this role, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've supported young people or adults in challenging situations. Highlight how you approached these situations with care and understanding, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about potential welfare concerns you might encounter and how you would handle them. Practising your responses to these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the residential community and the support systems in place. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and work style.