International Student Accommodation and Welfare Officer
Department: International
Employment Type: Permanent – Full Time
Location: Itchen Sixth Form College
Reporting To: Lynne Jones
Compensation: GBP 26,818 – 28,343 / year
Itchen Sixth Form College is seeking a dedicated and organised individual to coordinate homestay accommodation for our international students. This role is essential in providing a warm and welcoming home environment for our students, ensuring their comfort and well-being during their time at Itchen Sixth Form College. The successful candidate will be responsible for recruiting and screening potential host families, matching students with suitable hosts, and providing comprehensive training and guidance to host families. They will maintain regular communication with both host families and students, addressing any concerns or issues that may arise. Additionally, the Homestay Coordinator will maintain accurate records of student placements, host family information, and relevant documentation. They will prepare reports and statistics as required. The ideal candidate will possess excellent organisational and time management skills, strong attention to detail, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. They should be able to build strong relationships with students and host families, and have problem-solving, negotiation and decision‑making skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and a background in administration is essential, experience in a similar role or working with international students is desirable. Use of own car is essential.
Contract: Full time, permanent
Closing date: Friday 24th July 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 29th July 2026
Start date: 1st September 2026
Itchen College is a thriving Sixth Form College with a broad curriculum offer to meet the needs of the local community. The college is situated in pleasant surroundings to the east of Southampton with excellent local transport links. Ofsted inspected the college in September 2024, grading overall provision as Outstanding with Outstanding Quality of Education, Outstanding Behaviour and Attitudes, Outstanding Leadership and Management, Outstanding Education Programmes for Young People and Outstanding Provision for Learners with High Needs.
The college is committed to supporting staff wellbeing and professional development. The college has an excellent in‑house CPD programme for all teaching and support staff including a dedicated programme for Early Career Teachers. The college also has close links with the Southampton Education Forum, the Wessex Group and the SFCA, including subject groups and CPD opportunities at all levels. The college offers a wide range of benefits for staff including free parking, an on‑site nursery, occupational pension schemes, an Employee Assistance Programme and free use of the college gym.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the first point of contact for international students regarding accommodation, welfare, and pastoral support.
- Provide advice, guidance, and signposting to appropriate College services and external agencies where required.
- Coordinate the allocation of homestay accommodation for international students, ensuring placements meet individual needs and College requirements.
- Recruit, assess, and onboard new host families in line with College procedures.
- Conduct home visits, accommodation inspections, and compliance checks to ensure host families meet required standards.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with students, parents, agents, and host families.
- Act as a key liaison between students, host families, and College staff to ensure effective communication and prompt resolution of issues.
- Maintain accurate and confidential student and accommodation records in accordance with data protection requirements.
- Support student enrolment, induction, and orientation activities.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Good general education, including GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above.
- Demonstrable experience in an administrative role.
- Demonstrable familiarity with social media.
- Demonstrated interest in international relations.
- Evidence of delivering to deadlines.
- Experience, or demonstrated potential, in maintaining long‑term business relationships.
Workplace Benefits
- Values‑driven culture – we’re really proud of our culture. We’re looking for someone who is as driven by our college values as we are!
- Learning and Development – access to support and resources to drive your own development.
- Free parking – free on‑site parking, as well as good public transport links.
- Eyecare Scheme
- Cycle2Work Scheme
- Free On‑site Gym & Sports Facilities
- Free Flu Jabs
- Free Hot Drinks for Staff
- Canteen – freshly prepared food with plenty of choice.
- 1 Life Event Day – to recognise life’s big moments like a wedding, graduation, moving house.
- Staff Discount Schemes – discounts and deals on national attractions, entertainment, days out, theme parks, holiday insurance and many national retailers.
- Employee Loyalty Celebration Reward Scheme – cash and rewards to acknowledge and celebrate staff commitment and loyalty to the College.
- On‑Site College Nursery with priority given to college staff
- Access to College Library
- Free College WiFi
- Compassionate Leave – up to 5 days paid time off to attend to matters relating to the death or serious illness of a loved one.
- Counselling Service – Access to qualified therapy‑based support.
- Pension Scheme – Enrolment to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) (eligibility criteria applies).
- Occupational Sick Pay
- Enhanced Family Leave
#J-18808-Ljbffr…