Residential Support Assistant

Buckinghamshire New University

  • High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
  • £26,093-28,778 per year
  • Contract
  • Part-time
  • 7 days ago
Part Time (14.5 hrs per week)– Fixed Term (12 months) – High WycombeSalary - £26,093 - £28,778 (pro rata)Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.Our University’s DRIVE values and are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require.The Residential Support assistant will ensure that the Accommodation Service provides an effective and professional operational service to its residents.To work as part of the halls support team responsible for the provision of facilities and services in the halls of residence to enhance the student experience and provide a quality support service to residents. To work with the wider accommodation team, contributing to the efficient and effective provision of Accommodation Services.What we offer:
  • a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
  • hybrid working (dependant on business needs)
  • training & development support opportunities
  • contributory pension scheme
  • discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
  • a range of staff discounts with major retailers.
Please note the working days for this role will primarily be Thursday and Friday.Please click to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.
Please click for our behavioural based interview question bank.
Please click to view our employee handbook.If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.For further information about this role please contactAll applications are to be made in full and online.BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our aim is to continue to build an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’S workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to People Team if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you.We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.Closing Date: 11 September 2025Interview Date: 18 September 2025Please note that an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required for this position. The successful applicant will be required to give consent to check their criminal record status through the DBS. Information will be kept in strict confidence. Your offer of appointment will be subject to the University being satisfied with the outcome of this check.If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.BNU is a employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process. The University is also committed to achieving the Race Equality Charter.LocationHigh WycombeContract TypeFixed Term ContractSalary Range£26,093 - £28,778Hours per week14.5Closing Date11/09/2025Ref No1816Job DescriptionJOB DESCRIPTIONJob Title: Residential Support AssistantDirectorate: Estates and Facilities DirectorateGrade: DLocation: High Wycombe:Brook Street Halls of ResidenceHughenden Park Student VillageWindsor HouseHours: Part TimeResponsible to: Senior Residential OfficerResponsible for: N/AJob Purpose:To ensure that the Accommodation Service provides an effective and professional operational service to its residents.To work as part of the halls support team responsible for the provision of facilities and services in the halls of residence to enhance the student experience and provide a quality support service to residents. To work with the wider accommodation team, contributing to the efficient and effective provision of Accommodation Services.Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:
  • Represent the Accommodation Service in halls of residence.
  • Provide administration and reception/concierge services at the halls and ensure all stakeholders always receive excellent customer service.
  • Report and respond to maintenance services on site and liaise with the Estates/maintenance team. Investigate student damages and report to the Senior Accommodation Officer when necessary. Deal with contractors on site.
  • Responsible for equipment, furniture and appliances in the halls. Ensuring stock is ordered, recorded, maintained, assessed regularly and replaced when needed.
  • Ensure compliance with statutory health and safety requirements; including checking fire and emergency equipment. Report incidents and accidents.
  • Direct cleaners, grounds and pest control staff on a day-to-day basis to provide relevant services in halls. Ensure the halls sites are kept safe, secure and are well presented at all times.
  • Keep the halls secure and deal with student guests. Liaise closely with security staff and ensure handovers are completed at shift changeovers.
  • Provide basic wellbeing, safeguarding and mental health support to students and refer to services, including conducting wellbeing checks, as necessary. Provide first aid support and liaise with emergency services where necessary. Report any concerns regarding specific students to the Accommodation Office.
  • Assist the Senior Halls Support Officer in addressing student behaviour breaches at the time of occurrence, such as drug use, noise and general lapses in appropriate behaviour. Deal with police presence on site when necessary.
  • Undertake regular flat checks and room checks to ensure the halls of residence are appropriately looked after by the residents.
  • Help to get halls of residence ready for occupation by students. Conducting both check out and pre-check in surveys are completed and work reported appropriately.
  • Offer assistance to any commercial guests.
  • Undertake general ‘upkeep’ work around the halls when necessary, such as litter picking, light room cleans and flushing water outlets.
  • Monitor laundry facilities.
  • Accepting, sorting and issuing posts and parcels. Distributing literature and putting up posters.
  • Monitoring arrivals and departures and managing both physical and electronic keys.
  • Dealing with lost property and student belongings when left behind.
  • Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Senior Residential Officer.
  • Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.
  • Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION - Essential criteria onlyA = Application T = Test I = InterviewEducation, Qualifications & TrainingMeans of TestingGood level of educationAKnowledge & ExperienceDelivering an excellent customer experienceA / IExperience and/or excellent understanding of HE and student IssuesA / IExperience of dealing with wellbeing issuesA / IExperience of dealing with difficult situations in a professional mannerA / IExperience of facilities managementA / ISkillsAbility to work effectively with a range of peopleA / IGood administration skillsA / IExcellent MS Word and Excel skills and experience in using databasesA / I / TAble to work effectively in a teamA / IExcellent verbal and written communication skillsA / IExcellent planning and organisational skillsA / IAbility to problem solve and make decisionsA / IAbility to work calmly and constructively under pressureA / ISpecial RequirementsMust be prepared to work additional hours at peak timesILeave restrictions for peak periodsIMust be prepared to work at all our locations in High Wycombe.IBehavioural INDICATORSThe BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University. The nine categories provide a clear steer on behavioural expectations that will help support a step change in the performance and culture of the University. The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows:Managing self and personal skillsBeing aware of own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.Delivering excellent serviceProviding the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up customer service standards.Finding solutionsTaking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Buckinghamshire New University