House Assistant

Job title: House Assistant (HA)

Reporting to: Houseparent (HP)

JOB PURPOSE
The main function of this post is to be an adult presence in the House and to share responsibility for the safeguarding, welfare and security of students by assisting the Houseparents (HPs) and their team in the supervision of the welfare of the students and their ‘House’, the physical building within which they live.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The job may involve any or all of the following specifications. Above all, there is an expectation of a person who is generous with their time and responsive to the needs of the students. The list is neither definitive nor exhaustive and the range of tasks will embrace many incidents and situations which are not stated, but require initiative and common sense to be applied. The post requires someone who likes and understands young people and is able to demonstrate good sense. They should have good personal inter-active skills with young people and their parents and guardians by: being a good listener, flexible in outlook, reliable, warm and friendly in disposition, with sufficient sensitivity to show tact and diplomacy. A sense of humour and an even temper dealing with all situations in a co-operative and sensitive manner are also fundamental to carrying out this job effectively. The nature of the work requires physical fitness and a good level of stamina. It is understood that each House may have a slightly different structure for the job, depending upon the particular circumstances, strengths and skills of the individual post holders. The role will vary according to whether the House Assistant works in a junior or senior house.

From Monday to Friday, usual working hours are 07:00 to 12:00 for four days of the week and from 07:00 to 13:30 for one day. The day of the later finish is determined by timetabling constraints of the Houseparent. There may however be a need for some flexibility of working hours at times based on the commitments of the other core members of the house team.

The post holder will need to:

Be an adult presence during agreed hours and cover emergencies.
Provide physical and emotional care and security for the students.
Work with the HP, RAHP (Residential Assistant Houseparent) and other House staff to ensure the smooth running of the House.
Liaise with the Health Centre, Estates Department, Laundry and cleaning staff to ensure that students are cared for and the House is maintained in good order on a day-to-day basis.

General duties in the House will include:

Monitoring and following up of student attendance and lateness.
Checking of rooms for general tidiness and liaising with the House cleaning staff.
Helping to ensure students wear the correct uniform and PE/Sports/Expedition kit and liaising with Laundry staff.
Assisting with general House administration, including the compilation of House lists and other paperwork.
Responding to email, telephone and messages and supervising any visitors to the House.
Communicating with the HP and RAHP over student and House issues with handovers fully completed and helping to ensure notice boards are up to date.
Attendance at training and support meetings as required.
Maintain the medicine cabinet and medical records in accordance with Health Centre guidance.
Supervise and keep records of students taking medication. All prescribed medication should be administered to students on time according to the prescription timings.

An example of a weekday House routine
07:00 Wake up routine, breakfast, assessment of any sick students, medication given.
07:50 All students fit for school to have left the House, attendance and medication
recorded.
08:00-10:15 Liaise with HP or RAHP, Health Centre, Studies, PE and Sport as required and complete room checks.
10:15-10:45 Follow up with students during morning break.
11:45-12:00 Handover: HA to RAHP or HP

Safeguarding
It is important that the post holder is always aware of the School’s Safeguarding guidelines and Staff Prudence code, observing an appropriate professional relationship with students that is characterised by effective working and caring relationships.
Undertake any other task which may be reasonably required by the Director of Boarding to assist in the smooth running of the team.
Understand and implement all school policies and procedures, particularly those relating to safeguarding children and young people.
Understand the School’s Guiding Principles and uphold the ethos of the School at all times.

Aiglon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All shortlisted applicants will undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post.