GSE are looking for a diligent, super-friendly and highly-organised Homestay Manager to oversee and coordinate homestay provision for international students aged 10-18. The Homestay Manager will be responsible for recruiting, training, retaining and managing a network of host families, ensuring a safe, supportive, and culturally enriching experience for students.
The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, empathetic, and possess strong organisational and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to upholding high standards of child safeguarding and welfare. As an Individual Contributor, without any direct line-management duties, it’s essential that you are able to use initiative, work autonomously and can deliver targets.
All of our programmes are short-term, 1-3 weeks, with peak delivery times in January and July.
Note that this role is largely WFH, with only occasional home visits and meet & greets required.
About Global School Exchanges
Global School Exchanges’ mission is to enable meaningful cultural exchange and learning between young people, helping develop the Global Citizens of the future. An important area of our work is our School Exchange Programme between Chinese, French, Indian and British schools.
During these programmes, overseas students are immersed in a UK school for 1-3 weeks, live with local families, and undertake activities, tours and visits. Homestay is a core element of the success of our programmes, enabling students to be fully immersed in a UK family and culture.
Key Responsibilities
* Host Family Recruitment and Training:
o Recruit, vet, and onboard host families in line with safeguarding compliance requirements.
o Manage host family contracts, ensuring compliance with policies, legal requirements, and child safeguarding practices.
* Marketing:
o Use multi-channel marketing, with the support of the Marketing Manager, to attract and recruit new hosts.
* Student Placement and Matching:
o Coordinate the placement of students and guests with appropriate host families, ensuring a good match based on individual needs.
o Oversee communication between Operations, GSE agents and host families prior to arrival and act as the main point of contact for all parties.
o Handle any placement adjustments if necessary, providing support to both guests and hosts.
* Relationship Management and Support:
o Build and maintain positive relationships with host families and guests to foster a welcoming homestay environment.
o Provide ongoing support for hosts and guests, addressing concerns, managing conflicts, and resolving issues promptly.
o Conduct regular check-ins and coordinate home visits to ensure high standards of care, comfort, and safety.
* Child Safeguarding Compliance and Welfare:
o Ensure all host families understand and adhere to safeguarding guidelines and procedures.
o Process Enhanced DBS checks promptly, ensuring relevant documentation is provided by hosts.
o Conduct host interviews and review home assessments to ensure host families provide a safe environment for young guests.
o Act as the designated safeguarding lead, in conjunction with Company Director, monitoring the welfare of child guests and taking immediate action on any safeguarding concerns.
o Maintain detailed records of safeguarding training, host family assessments, and any incidents or concerns reported, in line with data protection requirements.
* Administration and Compliance:
o Maintain accurate records of all host families, student placements and documentation.
o During peak operating periods, submit host payroll information by the weekly deadline.
o Ensure all placements comply with safeguarding, legal, and health & safety guidelines.
o Prepare reports on homestay occupancy, feedback, and improvement areas for internal review.
o Update resources and handbooks for hosts to enhance cultural understanding and provide practical guidance.
Experience and Skills
* Experience in managing homestay or accommodation programmes.
* A strong knowledge of child safeguarding legislation and protocols.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across diverse backgrounds.
* Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, with a commitment to maintaining a positive experience for hosts and guests.
* Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage a busy workload and prioritise tasks effectively.
* Previous experience of processing Enhanced DBS applications would be desirable.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and database management; experience with CRM systems is beneficial.
Working Hours
* 35-40 hours per week during peak operating times: December, January, June, July. Flexible outside of this; can be full time.
* Actual weekly working hours may be agreed in line with workload; there is flexibility.
* Core hours of 9am-12 Monday to Friday, with flexibility outside of this.
Working Location
* This role is largely WFH, bar conducting occasional home visits around Hampshire.
* During peak months of January and July, may require occasional evening or weekend work to answer host queries, or to meet local groups on arrival.
* A valid driver’s license or access to reliable public transportation may be required for home visits in Hampshire.
Salary
£28,000 pro rata, based on a 40 hour working week.
To Apply
Please send your CV and a short cover paragraph to explain why you'd be an excellent candidate.
Applications without this will not be considered.
Early applications are encouraged.
If you have any questions, please email hello@school.exchange
Additional guidance notes
* To adhere to safer recruitment policies, applicants should please note:
* References will be followed up & an Enhanced DBS check applied for.
* All gaps in CVs must be explained satisfactorily.
* Proof of identity and (where applicable) qualifications will be required.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £28,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week
Additional pay:
* Bonus scheme
Benefits:
* Flexitime
Schedule:
* Monday to Friday
Experience:
* Microsoft Office: 1 year (required)
* Organisational skills: 1 year (required)
* Marketing: 1 year (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Southampton
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