Division/School Residential Life Service
Contract type Open Ended
Working pattern Full time
Salary £38,017 - £42,792 per annum
Closing date for applications 06-Oct-2019 

The University of Bristol has introduced whole-institution approach to pastoral care and support for its students. This includes major new investments in support for student wellbeing in academic schools and central services, such as our specialist Students’ Health and Counselling Services. The University has also created a sector-leading support model for students living in University residences in response to increasing student numbers, greater diversity in the student body, and more complex student wellbeing issues. The University currently provides over 7,000 student bed spaces across the city and this figure is set to rise significantly over the coming 3-5 years.

Further information on student support in residences can be found at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/accommodation/

There are three Student Residential Villages, each of which has a Head (line manager) and a Deputy Head of Residential Life. The Deputy Head manages a team of high-profile Residential Life Advisers who provide around-the-clock support for student residential life and wellbeing across University-allocated residences. In addition, the Deputy Head undertakes complex, high-risk and emotionally-demanding casework, as well as supervising individual casework being undertaken by their team of Residential Life Advisers. Other responsibilities will include working in partnership with student residents, Bristol SU, Sport, Exercise and Health and other University colleagues to coordinate and deliver a wide range of sports, social and other activities across the residences that proactively enhance support for student transition, inclusive community building and student wellbeing, as well as providing support for the strategic development and coordination of services across the wider Residential Life Service.

Ideally with a knowledge of work practices, processes and procedures relevant to supporting student wellbeing and residential life, you will have proven experience of working with students or young people in an advisory and support capacity. You will also have proven experience of leading a team to deliver a high-quality service, including activities and events, as well as the ability to solve problems within a complex organisational and regulatory environment. Proven spoken and written communication skills are essential, as is the ability to build effective working relationships at all levels.

The post requires the willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule which will include attendance at evening and weekend events and meetings, as well as providing an out-of-hours management function in collaboration with the other Heads and Deputy Heads of Residential Life. Because the Deputy Head of Residential Life is expected to live on site, accommodation will be provided as a taxable benefit.

There are two posts available which are provisionally allocated to North Village and East Village although this may be subject to change upon appointment based on the needs of the service.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 6 October 2019. For informal enquiries please contact Ros Elliott ros.elliott@bristol.ac.uk

We welcome applications from all members of our community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBT+ and BAME communities, to join us.