Head of Boys Boarding

Position: Head of Boys Boarding
Classification: Full Time, Permanent
Pay Rate: $74,587 per annum
Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: Sunday, 30 May 2021 

Columba Catholic College, Charters Towers is a vibrant, affordable P-12 Catholic College catering for the full needs of families and students. Being co-educational, students can find their own special niche for learning and personal growth. The P-12 setting gives students access to a wide range of subjects and opportunities, matched to current and emerging pathways and occupations. Columba Catholic College endeavours to provide deep learning for the mind, a spiritual base for the soul, an athletic dynamism for the body. Current students, past students, future students and their parents all mesh into the Columba Family which incorporates those parts of our history which once were Mount Carmel College, St. Mary's College, and St. Columba's Primary School of Charters Towers. 

Townsville Catholic Education provides a supportive, flexible working environment where care for the individual is an important part of our ethos.  We employ motivated people who want to work together to produce excellent outcomes for our students. Our staff is recognised as being central to achieving our mission. 

About the role

The role of Head of Boys Boarding, as a Residential Leader is responsible for all aspects of the smooth operation of the residences according to the directions of the Principal, and/or Deputy Principal (Pastoral & Residential), and in keeping with the expectations of the parents and caregivers of the residents in our care. The Residential Leader reports directly to the Deputy Principal (Pastoral & Residential). This leadership position requires coordination of the operational, administrative, and pastoral aspects of boarding at the Mt Carmel Campus. 

Key Accountabilities

The Head of Boys Boarding will be responsible to undertake the following:

Pastoral:

• Liaise with Parents/Guardians/Caregivers as appropriate and as directed by the Deputy Principal (Pastoral & Residential)
• Meet with students on an individual basis to discuss and resolve issues as appropriate including being available before and after school for a reasonable period of time
• Develop a spirit in the Residences which fosters pride in the residences, its members, the general appearance of the residences, so that the students of their own volition keep the place physically in good order, respect each other, their belongings, and the staff who are working with them
• Foster as appropriate to each year level, particularly in senior years, leadership skills among their peers, by allowing them to take on suitable roles in the residences
• Nurture a sense of Christian community within the residences by being involved in the spiritual life of the students
• Assist with fostering professional relationships between staff and students
• Facilitate good communication among staff and students
• Be responsible for minor behaviour management issues in the residences
• Support and supervise residential staff in their daily responsibilities
• Ensure a harmonious and safe residential environment

Administrative:

• Follow-up on scheduled and forecasted events as appropriate. Provide diarised records on designated individuals to Deputy Principal (Pastoral & Residential) or Principal if required
• Coordinate the writing of Residential Reports at the end of each term for each resident
• Work with the Deputy Principal (Pastoral & Residential) in formulating staff duty rosters
• Arrange for relief staff during staff absences in consultation with the Deputy Principal (Pastoral & Residential)
• Contribute to the “Residential Newsletter”
• Assist in the upkeep of the Residence by ensuring that matters of maintenance, or items needing replacement, are attended to by filling in the necessary forms, and checking to ensure that these have been completed
• In consultation with the Deputy Principal (Pastoral & Residential) organise weekend meal arrangements, leave lists, and travel lists including weekend bus travel to and from Townsville
• Establish good order and routines in the residences and run necessary checks at appropriate times to ensure that matters of residents’ personal cleanliness, locker tidiness, laundry habits and similar issues are carried out
• Work with Deputy Principal (Pastoral & Residential), Pastoral Co-ordinators and other staff in matters relating to the care, welfare, safety, academic progress and discipline of residential students
• Assist with formulating individual study plans for residential students
• Liaise with other residential staff who may be assigned to duties in the residence, and ensure that they are briefed on matters concerning routine and expectations made on residents
• Ensure that weekend activities are organised and appropriately staffed
• Relay details of concern regarding any students who may be presenting behavioural problems to the Deputy Principal (Pastoral & Residential)
• Relay to the Deputy Principal (Pastoral & Residential) and Administration staff as appropriate, the status of residents who may be away, have not returned from leave, or who for other reasons may not be present as school classes or activities at which they would normally expected
• Ensure Leave Applications are completed accurately and submitted on time
• Have regular communication to parents via Newsletter, and weekend information sheet for students on campus as to the activities available that weekend
• Assist with the preparation of bed/room plans, residential rolls, sign in and out forms, leave forms (including weekend and town), mobile phone registers, travel sheets and residential journals
• Issue padlock and combinations
• Ensure that students are appropriately attired and groomed that befits the occasion
• Chairing Campus Residential Meetings
• Supporting Senior Leadership, College policies and procedures
• Oversee the appropriate transition/induction of new students and staff to Boarding.

About You

Experience

• Demonstrated supervision of young people in a residential setting, including development and care
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Previous experience in a boarding or residential environment.

Skills

• Knowledge of standards of health, hygiene and safety
• The ability to demonstrate confidentiality and discretion on matters relating to students and student wellbeing
• A demonstrated understanding of the particular developmental needs of students and how this impacts on all aspects within the Boarding community
• Proven coordination skills with the ability to motivate and influence others
• Highly developed attention to detail with the ability to balance competing deadlines and effectively manage multiple commitments.
• The ability to demonstrate initiative and reason when dealing with students.

Attributes

• Flexible and responsive to the needs of the school boarding community and driven to achieve the best outcomes
• As a role model – diligence, pro- activeness and energetic
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with boarding community including students, families and staff
• An empathy for particular issues encountered by students in Boarding environments and experience dealing with such issues

Mandatory Criteria

• Current Working with Children Suitability Card - The successful candidate will require a paid Blue Card before commencement as per the No Card, No Start policy developed by Queensland Government
• Current Senior First Aid certificate, or ability to undertake
• Diploma in a discipline relevant to residential care or education, or sufficient practical experience
• Demonstrated relevant experience working in a school boarding facility
• Current “C” Class Driver’s Licence
• Commitment to undertake and successfully complete ABSA Book 1 and 2 within 12 months
• Ability to travel from time to time within the Catholic Diocese of Townsville
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role in a safe manner.

Desirable Criteria

• Degree or certificate qualifications in Education, Social Work, Community Work or Psychology or demonstrate equivalent experience or knowledge.
• Current an LR or MR licence or ability to obtain

Some employees may be subject to pre-employment medical assessments during the selection process. Depending on the nature of the position, it may be necessary for successful applicants to be immunised against certain preventable diseases in order to minimise the risk of transmission.

What we offer

• Competitive Salary: $74,587 per annum
• 4 weeks Annual Leave with 17.5% leave loading 
• Salary packaging options 
• Modern facilities, equipment and resources
• Superannuation up to 12.75% employer contribution (in a  co-contribution arrangement)
• Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service
• 14 Weeks’ paid parental leave
• Deferred Salary Scheme
• Corporate health insurance 
• Induction, professional development and learning opportunities
• Well-being programs and initiatives

How to apply

1. Complete the application form
2. Upload a cover letter/supporting statement (no more than 2 A4 pages) which addresses your suitability for the position
3. Upload a current resume which also includes the name, email address and contact details of two referees.

Please refer to the Position Description for further information.

Applications close 4pm Sunday, 30 May 2021 .