Homestay Accommodation Co-ordinator

at  University of Otago

CAMPUS AND COLLEGIATE LIFE SERVICES DIVISION

• Career Development + tertiary study benefit.
• Open to flexible work arrangements.
• Salary + 6.75% superannuation + five weeks’ annual leave.

KĀ PŪKEKA ME KĀ WHEAKO / YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We are looking for candidates with:

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience working with tertiary aged international and or domestic students.
• Leadership and people management experience, including the ability to perceive, understand and assess things clearly and make appropriate decisions as required.
• Exceptional communication, cross cultural and organisational skills, and a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience monitoring and reporting on data, especially in relation to student and host well-being.
• Ability in working independently at times, developing working relationships and supporting those relationships.
• Ability to problem solve complex situations, encompassing excellent oral and listening skills.

The Homestay Accommodation Co-ordinator is responsible for leading the day-to-day placement of homestay applicants, assessing and enlisting new host families and offering guidance and support as needed to University level and PELC students.
You will be available to offer pastoral care and support to students living in a homestay and assist them as necessary to help them adjust to a new environment/culture, ensuring that students are living in a well-supported, safe and caring home environment which allows them to focus on their University studies.
As a Homestay Accommodation Co-ordinator you will be available to offer hosts support, providing appropriate advice for a pathway to positive outcomes.

Key responsibilities of this role include:

• Leading the day-to-day homestay applicant placements, assessing, and enlisting new host families.
• Interviewing, assessing, and enlisting new host families, ensuring compliance with the Education Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International learners Code of Practice 2021.
• Orientating host families to homestay handbook and guidelines.
• Conducting home visits, assessing compliance, and offering ongoing support to host families.
• Providing pastoral care and support to students in homestays, assisting with thir adjustment to a new environment/culture.
• Coordinating placement of international student groups, including transportation and introductions.
• Collaborating with University services, teachers, and staff for student support.
• Maintaining positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.