Welfare Officer

**1. Job Title **Welfare Officer & HR Administrator

**2. Department **Student Services

**3. Responsible to **Directors

**4. Main purpose of job**

The administration of staff HR documents and related matters as well as looking after the welfare of students who are studying at the college on our short 1 - 4 week courses (under 18s) and adults (1 - 6 months).

**5. Welfare Duties**

Appointed as BLC’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Representing BLC at the regional Sussex Safeguarding Forums

Following and updating the school's policies of child protection, bullying, behaviour management

Providing welfare and pastoral support to students including, where necessary registering students with the NHS, police and booking medical appointments

Actively promote the welfare of all BLC clients, including agents, students and foreign group leaders

Liaise with the Academic Department and Activity Department on student absenteeism.

Deal with and look after the individual welfare needs of each student and to liaise with Leaders with regards to the welfare of students in their charge.

Be a point of contact for any welfare problems and to make this visible to all students and staff.

Liaise with the Accommodation Dept. over Host Family problems/changes and ensure students are happy with their Host Family.

Maintain the Accident/Incident Logs regarding any problems or illnesses to students or staff.

**6. HR Administration Duties**

Administering HR-related documentation

Maintaining staff records

Working with department managers in the recruitment process

Setting up interviews and issue relevant correspondence

Developing staff professional development / training programmes

Arranging staff appraisal procedures

Recording teaching staff hours and liaising to ensure accuracy

Reporting to the Directors regarding any HR issues which require their attention.

Ensuring all staff hired have the necessary documentation completed

Reviewing BLC International's policies and procedures

Liaising with staff and advising them on HR related issues.

Co-ordinating DBS checks, oversight of DBS related risk assessments

Overseeing staff attendance / timekeeping / holiday / TOiL recording and procedures

**7. Other**

Out of hours non restrictive emergency telephone contact on a rota basis (additional pay)

Meeting groups of students out of hours (typically evenings and weekends) for a maximum of 10 times per year (additional pay or TOiL)

Like all members of the BLC team you have a responsibility for the welfare of our students and we expect you to take ownership of any welfare issues that are raised

Be aware of and support difference and ensure equal opportunities for all

Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school

Appreciate and support the role of other professionals

Attend and participate in relevant meetings as required

Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required

**8. Note**

Whilst every effort had been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified

Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description

**9. Ideal qualities**

Strong administration skills

Familiarity with business software such as Microsoft Office

A high level of confidentiality

Excellent interpersonal and customer-facing skills

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

The flexibility and willingness to learn

To enjoy working with people

Tact and diplomacy

Good administrative skills

The ability to work as part of a team

**Please note that as part of the appointment process**:
Enhance Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required prior to confirmation of appointment

References will be followed up

All gaps in CVs must be explained satisfactorily

Proof of identity and qualifications will be required

Reference requests will ask specifically whether there is any reason that you should not be employed in situations where you have responsibility for, or substantial access to, persons under 18.

**10. Working Hours**

Monday-Friday 08.30 - 17:00 as standard with 08:15 - 17:00 during high season (June - August) and during Nov - Dec 08:30 - 13:00 on Friday. Possess the flexibility to meet groups of students and introduce them to their host families. Time off in lieu or payment will be given in this case.

**11. Holidays**

20 days paid per annum including 8 national holidays (TOTAL 28). Staff may be requested to work some bank holidays.

On appointment 20 days + 8 national holidays

After 1 years’ service 21 days + 8 national holidays

After 3 years’ service 22 days + 8 national holidays

After 5 years’ service 23 days + 8 national holidays

After 7 years’ service 24 days + 8 national holidays

**12. Sick Leave**

Statutory Sick pay applies

**13. Maternity Pay**

St