Residential Student Support Officer

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.

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.

• 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

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.

Informal enquiries can be made to Tracey Coop, Residential Student Support Manager, at [email protected]

Interviews are due to commence soon after closing in early September.

Find out more about working with us and how we recruit.

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