Resident Assistant Housemistress/Master

The ability to encourage high standards, develop a positive rapport with pupils and parents and maintain a calm and caring atmosphere is essential. Sound judgment, excellent communication skills and a good sense of humour will also be invaluable!

Primarily, the role involves the provision of direct support to pupils and staff, assisting with the management of all aspects of the health, welfare and pastoral care of pupils, adhering to relevant school policies at all times. The successful applicant will work closely with the Catteral Housemistress and the resident & non-resident tutors to ensure the smooth day to day running of the House. They will also liaise closely with the Domestic and Properties departments.

A commitment to the values and expectations of this boarding community and to the welfare of the pupils is a vital component of the job.

Main duties & responsibilities

This is a developing role and so therefore the applicant can expect duties to be refined during the initial period of their tenure to suit the needs of the house. All changes will be in consultation with the Catteral Housemistress and the Second Master. The RAHM reports directly to the Catteral Housemistress and then to the Second Master.

Pastoral:

The RAHM will always have the wellbeing of the pupils in house in mind. More specifically the role will include:

• To create an environment in which each pupil is valued as an individual and has the potential to achieve; this includes the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of each pupil in the house.
• To keep a watchful eye on all members of the House, especially younger pupils and those far from home.
• To ensure Junior Boarders are prepared for the following day and have the right kit and equipment for School. This will involve helping to oversee reading logs and other homework tasks.
• To be responsible, according to the requirements of the housemistress, for the care, supervision, cleanliness and presentation of pupils in the house, including acceptable uniform and coordinating and liaising with other boarding staff as necessary.

Domestic:

• Ensure the smooth running of all domestic aspects of the boarding house, including reporting all maintenance issues to the Facilities Department and/or the Facilities or Domestic Manager.
• Overseeing the domestic team within House; tidying of the house each morning as soon as the boarders leave for school, in accordance with the Housemistress’s requirements, so that the house is tour ready each and every day and clean and tidy each evening before bed.
• At the beginning and end of each term, assist in clearing up and tidying the house. Carry out regular checks of all bedding, furniture, fixtures and fittings, preparing a list of repairs and maintenance items required for submission to the Facilities team. Advise on replacement or renewal of bedding, fixtures and furnishings.

Health & Medical:

• To be responsible for the general health, medical matters and wellbeing of those in the house, referring medical matters to the Wellbeing Centre in consultation with the housemistress.
• To respond to medical emergencies as well as routine appointments, escorting pupils as needed.
• To conduct primary assessments of unwell/injured pupils and liaising with the Wellbeing Centre staff, as necessary.

House Management & Administration:

• Ensure that appropriate pupil records are kept up to date and that they are stored securely.
• Establish systems and routines within the boarding house as directed by the housemistress.
• Monitor and record travel arrangements. Monitor and order food supplies for the house.
• Any other administrative duties as reasonably required by the housemistress.

Health & Safety

You have a legal duty to take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others and you are expected to be familiar with, and adhere to, Giggleswick School’s Health and Safety policy.

Equal Opportunities Employer

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the HR Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on humanresources@giggleswick.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly.

Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant’s job qualifications, skills, experience, and abilities. Applicants or employees with questions or concerns relating to discrimination for any of the reasons listed above should contact Joann Cole, Head of HR; jlcole@giggleswick.org.uk

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

Giggleswick School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks.

If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The School is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the School.

Giggleswick School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment by complying with the School’s Safeguarding Policy and Staff Code of Conduct at all times.

If in the course of carrying out your duties you become aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the school, they must report any concerns to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, or to the Head.

School Values

Ensure your work, communication and approach conforms brand values and style of the School. You will need to be aware and comply with the Giggleswick School rules, policies and procedures at all times, as detailed in the handbook you will be provided with at induction.