Student Services Officer (Residential) in Canterbury

Would you enjoy helping young people from around the world settle into life in Canterbury? Join Stafford House International as a Student Services Officer and become a key part of our students' experience. We're a vibrant, fast-paced English language school welcoming hundreds of international students each year. You will be one of the first points of contact for our students, helping with everything from arrivals and accommodation queries to activities, pastoral support and day-to-day life in Canterbury.

This is a varied, people-focused role. You'll get to know students from around the world and help them feel welcome, safe and supported during their time with us. As part of the role, you'll have your own room and access to kitchen facilities within the student residence. You're also welcome to stay in the accommodation when you're not on duty.

What's in it for you?

• £23,734.54 per year
• Permanent, full-time employment
• Free accommodation with your own room
• 33 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Additional payments for emergency phone/on-call cover
• Free parking
• Employee and store discounts

Working pattern

This is a full-time role working 70 hours over a 2-week rota (35 hours per week on average). The role includes alternate weekends and some evenings. You'll stay in the student residence for at least 7 nights out of every 14, with your own room and access to kitchen facilities. When staying in the residence, your scheduled duties will finish by 11pm at the latest. Any additional work carried out after 11pm while on duty will either be paid or taken as time off in lieu.

What you'll be doing

You'll be part of our Student Services team, supporting students throughout their time with us and working closely with colleagues across the school. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Welcoming students and supporting arrivals, departures and accommodation queries
• Providing pastoral and welfare support and helping students settle into life in Canterbury
• Supporting student activities, excursions and evening activities, including junior programmes
• Helping maintain a safe, clean and welcoming residence, working with cleaning and maintenance teams
• Supporting students with general administration and responding to enquiries
• Holding the emergency phone on a rota basis
• Working closely with colleagues across the school to ensure students receive a high level of support and customer care

The role combines student support, pastoral care, accommodation, activities and customer service, making it a great opportunity for someone who enjoys variety and likes being part of a busy, international environment.

What we're looking for

You don't need to have worked in an English language school before. We're looking for someone who is positive, practical and confident, with a genuine interest in helping people and creating a great experience for our students. You’ll need:

• A can-do attitude and flexible approach to problem-solving
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• The confidence to deal with situations calmly and decisively
• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise
• Confidence using databases and Microsoft Office
• Cultural awareness when working with students and colleagues from different backgrounds
• An understanding of safeguarding when working with young people
• Experience in customer service or working with young people would be an advantage, as would experience working with international students or in a residential environment.

Our commitment to safeguarding

CATS Global Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and expect everyone connected with the organisation to share this commitment. All positions are subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment pre-employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a criminal declaration form prior to interview and be subject to online checks which may include social media checks, in addition to an enhanced DBS check (DBS process paid for by CATS Global Schools), references and, if applicable, an overseas police check.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values – Pioneering, Persevering, People – we pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools an employer of choice for all.

If you're looking for a varied role where you can make a genuine difference to the experience of international students, while living and working as part of a welcoming school community, we'd love to hear from you.

We look forward to hearing from you. Good luck!