Lodge Porter

at  Kings College Cambridge

King’s is a constituent College of the University of Cambridge. Founded in 1441 by Henry VI as a place of education, religion, learning and research, the College comprises around 130 Fellows, 650 undergraduate and postgraduate students and 275 non-academic staff.
The College is internationally recognised as a leading academic institution, boasting among its former students and Fellows, no fewer than eight Nobel laureates.
Following a recent promotion, we seek a new colleague to join our Porters’ Lodge, providing front of house administration, safety and security for the College, as well as welfare support for all College members.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• Experience of work in a service industry/environment
• Experience of a public facing role in a customer care environment
• Experience of work involving security, safety and welfare
• An NVQ Level 1 in Catering & Hospitality (Porter Service) desirable.
• Trained First Aider (desirable) or must be willing to undertake necessary training including first aid at work and mental health first aid and awareness.

PERSONAL SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Good communication skills including the ability to listen.
• A positive and flexible approach to work.
• The ability to remain calm under provocation and to diffuse situations
• The ability to make quick decisions in difficult situations and work well under pressure.
• Computer literacy & numeracy
• A professional telephone manner.
• The ability to produce and maintain accurate records.
• Approachable, reliable, conscientious and trustworthy.
• Commitment to the welfare of students and resident Fellows
• A high standard of personal appearance.
• Enthusiasm for making a positive contribution to the life of the College

• To carry out duties as directed by the Head Porter to ensure the highest security levels are maintained. This involves working with the Visitor Services department to effectively manage tourist movements and those of University members passing through.
• Respond to requests for help from College members such as disturbances in hostels and security incursions.
• Be responsible for the locking of gates/doors and regular security checks. Exercise vigilance in preventing security breaches and acting upon them when they occur.
• Carry out pro-active patrols of the College grounds and off-site hostels. Prioritise crime prevention/awareness and fire safety issues and ensure any deficiencies are accurately reported. Ensure that all Fellows, students and staff adhere to the College policies relating to car parking and cycling.
• Undertake welfare checks of students/Fellows on behalf of the Nurse and Tutors. Provide first point of contact in dealing with physical and mental health issues. Provide immediate support and ensure appropriate referrals are made.
• Be pro-active in identifying concerns with residents and ensure that relevant people in the College are fully briefed on concerns.
• To be responsible for the issuing of keys, ensuring accurate records are maintained at all times.
• Provide a high level of customer care when dealing with enquiries from members of the College and visitors, ensuring their total satisfaction with the service the Porters’ Lodge has provided.
• Provide support to the college in managing Open Days, matriculation and graduations.
• Receive, collect and sort all mail and commercial deliveries.
• Provide the College switchboard service.
• Respond to alarms, manage evacuations and fire brigade/police liaison. Educate residents on fire safety issues.
• Monitor and observe safety issues in College. Take immediate steps to rectify issues and report to the H&S Advisor. When appropriate, spread ice melt on College paths prior to the attendance of the Gardens department.
• Be responsible for raising and lowering flags and for winding the College clock
• Resolve immediate out of hours minor maintenance issues such as power cuts linked to fuse breaks and minor plumbing issues
• Be the first response to emergency/critical situations and implement emergency procedures as directed. Ensure that full and accurate reports are kept.
• To undertake to provide an effective and efficient receptionist service for guest accommodation, ensuring all payments received are accurately recorded and levied in accordance with the rates in force.
• To undertake other duties as required within the post-holder’s overall area of responsibility.