House Assistant

Location: Great Malvern

This is an exciting opportunity to join a high calibre and a forward-looking team in a culture that emphasises the development of people, built on an inspiring 158-year history. We currently have several vacancies for this role, with varying hours available.
Malvern College is a leading independent co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 13-18 years. A significant proportion of pupils join from the College’s affiliated prep school:
The Downs Malvern, educating 200 boys and girls from 3-13. Situated on the slopes of the Malvern Hills, the two beautiful campuses, set in 250 acres of stunning grounds, provide a wonderful environment within which to learn and work.

Background

Each of our boarding houses is home to approximately 60 pupils, aged between 13 and 18 and the House Assistant is an integral member of the House Team. Each house team comprises the Housemaster/Housemistress (HSM), Deputy HSM and House Assistants.

A large amount of House administration takes place on various software packages. Candidates should feel confident with basic IT skills, and they should have a willingness to learn how to use a variety of software packages. Appropriate training will be given to ensure colleagues can fulfil this role.

The House Assistant is expected to be a visible presence with the pupils. All pupils need the attention of their House Assistant but understanding when a pupil needs more specialist support should be recognised. While this role is not a disciplinary one, the House Assistant is part of the team responsible for standards in the House. The House Assistant will be required, on occasions, to drive and accompany pupils to medical appointments and other appointments, both routine and emergency.

House Assistants also have a key housekeeping role in making sure the house runs smoothly and this includes liaising with other departments in the school, most notably Catering, the Domestic Bursary and Estates. House Assistants are also responsible for the administrative running of pupils’ daily life in a Boarding House. These can be both IT and non-IT based and involve the use of a variety of software packages.

Training will be provided on each of these to ensure the efficient carrying out of the many tasks involved in this demanding role.

Responsibilities

Computer-based administrative tasks to facilitate the smooth running of the House
Following up on pupil absences when the House is notified by colleagues
Monitoring and replying to emails sent to the Boarding House
The day-to-day monitoring of the health of pupils and liaison with the Medical Centre staff, as appropriate
Providing pastoral care for the pupils on a day-to-day basis
Caring for any pupil confined to the house
Proactively ensuring that mealtimes run smoothly and that pupils are well-fed and eating properly. Promptly communicating any problems to catering staff and helping to resolve them
Supervising pupils to ensure that bed studies, studies, dormitories, and common rooms are kept tidy
Actively ensuring that the highest standards of cleanliness and workmanship are maintained by the domestic staff both within the House and the House yard
Supervising the cleaning and laundry staff on a daily basis and maintaining effective liaison with the Domestic Bursar
Supervising pupils’ clothing and laundry and being actively engaged on associated domestic tasks as required
Promptly reporting maintenance issues to Estates, using the system in place for this purpose
Being an effective role model for pupils regarding their personal conduct and courtesy towards each other, their teachers, College employees and visitors to the House

Safeguarding Responsibilities

Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons with whom you come into contact; and
Reporting any safeguarding concerns, including low level concerns, to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or their Deputy in a timely manner.

This post involves significant contact with children and the post holder will be responsible for children. The post holder will be considered to be in regulated activity.

Hours

The House Assistants all work as a team, between them providing cover from 07:30hrs…