Hospitality Facility Assistant (live in) Commonwealth House
Common Wealth House Limited, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Description of Job
Hospitality Facility Assistant (live in)
Common-Wealth House
Commonwealth House was established in 1965 by local Christian churches to provide accommodation in a welcoming, friendly community for international visitors to Oxford. The staff and management committee are all members of nearby churches.
We welcome residents from all over the world and from many different cultures and faiths.
Commonwealth House is a home away from home for academics and international students from all over the world, in the vibrant city of Oxford. It comprises seven adjacent houses in Pembroke Street, located directly opposite Christ Church College, one of the most prestigious places in the city.
Founded fifty years ago, Commonwealth House aims to be a community of internationals sharing a chapter of their academic journey. We celebrate the diversity of all the cultures and languages represented by the residents in the house as a powerful statement of peace.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Hospitality Facilities Assistant provides support to the warden on practical duties necessary for the well-functioning of Commonwealth House. We are looking for a practical, hands-on, multi-skilled person who can attend to emerging needs as well as day-to-day tasks. Someone with a servant heart and a desire to serve God and witness their faith amongst international students and visiting academics through practical hospitality duties. For this service-focused role, it is important that the person shows high levels of flexibility and enjoys meeting people from different cultures. Excellent communication skills and a can-do attitude are essential.
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Commonwealth House Ministry
1. Responsible for the daily breakfast (Mon-Fri)
2. Being a Christian presence in the hostel, available to deal with problems as they arise.
3. Welcoming duties – including early or late arrivals and weekends.
4. Fulfilling practical hospitality and facility duties as assigned by the warden, such as washing up and fire alarm testing.
5. Regularly participating in Bible Studies and similar activities.
6. Befriending or providing pastoral support for residents.
Ensuring high standards throughout Commonwealth House
1. Distributing post to residents.
2. Responding to emergencies and liaising with tradesmen.
3. Ad-hoc tidying of the hostel, reporting maintenance tasks and broken or missing equipment.
4. Washing bathmats and checking lint traps.
5. Conducting yearly inventory.
Support for the Warden
1. Providing out-of-hours cover – typically two weekends per month and two nights Mon-Fri.
2. Safety responsibilities including fire marshal duties and alarm tests.
Community Breakfast
1. Organising the daily communal breakfasts (Monday-Friday).
2. Checking stock and buying food and other provisions.
3. Food preparation for breakfast, e.g., setting up, preparing porridge, and clearing away.
4. Ensuring compliance with food safety regulations for preparation and storage of food.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
1. Hospitality experience (can be in a church context).
2. Experience working in a multicultural context is essential (previous experience in an international missionary context would be an advantage).
3. Competent in standard office software packages (email, MS Office).
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
1. High level of flexibility and adaptability.
2. A hospitable, friendly personality, able to put new residents at ease.
3. A practical person, ready to engage with facility tasks (e.g., change a light bulb, respond to emergencies).
4. Highly reliable, with good attention to detail.
5. Self-motivated.
6. Excellent spoken and written English.
OTHER ASPECTS OF THE ROLE
1. Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate would be an advantage. If without a certificate, it’s essential to complete the training in the first two weeks of the job.
2. There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian.
3. An enhanced DBS check will be required.
4. The post holder is expected to make St Aldates their church and to become part of St Aldates’ missional activity. St Aldates is a charismatic evangelical church. For more information, please see www.staldates.org.uk.
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS
Employer: Commonwealth House
Accommodation: Free accommodation for the applicant.
Part-time: 25 hours per week
Annual leave: 28 days including bank holidays prorated.
Place of work: 4-8 and 11 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP, UK
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