Accommodation and Operations Assistant

About Abbey College Manchester

 Abbey College Manchester was founded in 1990 and over the past thirty plus years has become one of the leading providers of independent sixth form education in Greater Manchester. There are approximately 200 students in the college. Within this around 40% are from the Manchester area with the remainder coming from 40 plus different countries across Europe; Africa; Asia and the Americas.

Description of the post

The role is an important and diverse one, ensuring that all boarding students’ living arrangements are managed efficiently from the time they physically accept an offer to join the college to when they arrive in college, and that their welfare is looked after throughout the duration of their studies. The post holder will work closely with the Assistant Principal Operations, Host Families and Boarding team to ensure this. The post holder will also oversee the operations and administration aspects involved in the running of Clydesdale House and the Host Families, and ensure the necessary documentation has been seen for students living outside college accommodation. As part of the wider duties, the post holder will cover six of the “Occasional Time” shifts at Clydesdale House.

Key Responsibilities: Accommodation

• Manage and be responsible for the day to day running of all accommodation whether it be home stay, Clydesdale House or independent living, and to be aware of, and respond to, the special needs of individual students
• Work closely with the Senior House Parent to ensure that any operations issues are dealt with swiftly and effectively
• Arrange airport transfers for students arriving into, and leaving, the UK
• Manage the ordering of equipment and resources for Clydesdale House in conjunction with the Assistant Principals
• Understand NMS and ensure that Abbey College Manchester meets and exceeds these and keep abreast of all updates
• Visit all Host Families at least termly to discuss the students and to ensure that any issues are dealt with
• Undertake feedback meetings with host family students at least termly
• Visit all Independent Livers with the College Nurse at least termly, including at the beginning of the academic year to establish that the accommodation is appropriate
• Carry out research into potential new home stay families, including any that come from recommendations.
• Manage the process of selecting potential new host families, including sending out the preliminary information form, house visits, preparation of questions, interviewing, taking of photographs, writing of any follow-up letters, etc.
• Ensure that the paperwork for all boarding students is up to date and stored securely
• Ensure that host family contact information is kept up to date and that student details are correct in SIMS (for those with host families)
• Ensure that all policies, handbooks and welcome packs are updated at least annually and placed on the college’s Welcome Portal
• Organise any relevant training courses for host families, for example Safeguarding and Child Protection
• Complete beginning and end of year inspections at Clydesdale House with member of Almero staff

Key Responsibilities: Operations

• Ensure that all students’ photos are uploaded to SIMS annually
• Liaise with the Basketball and Football providers as the first point of contact and help with the organisation of daily attendance registers and transport
• In conjunction with the Marketing Officer, update social media channels regularly
• Prepare Half-Termly newsletters
• Help put together student testimonials and video feedback interviews for social media and other marketing activity
• Be a form tutor to a tutor group
• Assist with front office cover as and when required
• Being a new role it is anticipated that the job description will develop over time

Key qualities

• To be able to follow the ethos of Abbey College Manchester that is in line with the college’s philosophy
• Team player who can adapt to the college ethos and innovate whilst working within the existing and developing structures
• Experience of working with students 16-19+ age group
• Ability to help students across the ability range develop good study habits
• Experience of working with second language speakers and international students
• Ability to innovate and develop ideas appropriate to the setting
• Ability to work with young people and make a good relationship
• Ability to manage possible conflict
• High levels of organisation
• Honesty and integrity
• Be suitable to work with young people (DBS clearance)

Remuneration

A starting salary of £25,500 per annum is offered depending on qualifications, knowledge and experience as outlined in the job description.

Holidays

A starting holiday entitlement of 35 days per annum, inclusive of bank holidays is offered.  If any bank holidays have to be worked a day off in lieu will be given. Holidays are restricted during August and September and can only be taken in exceptional circumstances.

Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the Abbey College Manchester Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.

The Alpha Plus Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children. All staff are trained in child protection and understand to report concerns by following the safeguarding policies. We ensure all candidates are properly police-checked, and the successful candidate will need to obtain an enhanced disclosure via the DBS.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

 Please click the link below for further information on employing Ex-Offenders: https://public-egiportal.alphaplusgroup.co.uk/Alpha%20Plus%20Group%20Documents/Policy%20on%20employment%20of%20ex-offenders.pdf