Welfare Officer

About the role

Shape unforgettable experiences for students from around the world—join us in delivering excellence this summer! This is a key role making sure our international students aged 9-24, and the staff working with them are appropriately supported throughout our short courses. Day to day, you will be working with the Operations Department either in the office or in a college/school, responding to queries and issues that require specific attention. You’ll make key decisions and take action in collaboration with the head office team and residential Centre Directors.

Location: Oxford

Dates: Fixed Term (May 18th to September 2026)

Working pattern: Full time (Weekend shifts are shared across the department, with time given back in lieu)

Reports to: Oxford Operations Manager

Main Duties

• Welfare and Wellbeing: Work closely with onsite welfare staff and senior managers to ensure students are safe and well during our courses.
• Safeguarding: Ensure the protection of students in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy and UK Law.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Proactively identify and address issues, escalating when necessary to maintain smooth operations.
• Compliance and Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records including ensuring company safeguarding and disciplinary processes are adhered to.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with staff, host sites, and suppliers through email, phone, and in-person communication.
• Planning and Logistics: Assist with the planning and booking of activities and visits to ensure seamless delivery of our social and cultural programme.
• Site Presence: Be present at college sites during the core delivery period (July-August) to assist with day-to-day operational support, including occasional weekends.

About you

• Resilient and Supportive: You are committed to supporting student and staff welfare and wellbeing, ensuring a safe and positive experience during the courses.
• Confident Communicator: You are a confident and empathetic communicator in-person, on the phone, and via email, and comfortable with difficult conversations whilst remaining diplomatic.
• Proactive and Empathetic: You bring a can-do attitude, learn quickly, and respond effectively to changing situations, while remaining calm.
• Team player: Happy to step in wherever needed, with a strong sense of teamwork and a positive outlook.

Essential skills or experiences

• Experience handling student and staff welfare situations with a clear understanding of key safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Willingness to spend time away from home during the summer and travel between sites.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to take initiative and prioritise.
• Excellent IT skills, including managing files, emails, and spreadsheets.

Desirable skills or experiences

• Experience working with young people and/or vulnerable adults.
• Experience of supporting a team handling welfare situations.
• Experience in a summer school or similar environment with international students.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRMs, Google Workspace and Slack.
• You may hold a MHFA certificate or similar.

What's in it for you

• Training and professional development
• 25 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Flexible and hybrid working within the operational needs of the role
• Excellent team culture

Oxford Summer Courses is committed to safeguarding and protecting children. All staff undergo enhanced DBS checks, and references are requested and, where appropriate, validated. Only successful applicants will be contacted. This advert does not discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Candidates are assessed solely on their merits, qualifications, and ability to perform the role. Reasonable adjustment requests, including accessible documents or interview modifications, are welcomed and should be communicated to the recruitment team.