Hospitality Outreach Assistant (live in) - Common-Wealth House
Common Wealth House
Commonwealth House was set up 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. Comprising of seven adjacent houses in Pembroke Street, it is located directly opposite Christ Church College, in one of the most prestigious places of 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
We are looking for a hands-on and multi-skilled person, with a practical servant heart and a desire to serve God and witness their faith amongst international students and visiting academics. As this role is not only practical but also service-focused, it’s important that the person in this role shows high levels of flexibility and enjoys meeting with people from different cultures. You must have excellent communication skills and a helpful, can-do attitude.
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Commonwealth House Ministry
1. Active participation in the missional purposes of Commonwealth House, through prayer, Bible Study, and personal witness.
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 given by the warden, such as breakfast, washing up, fire alarm testing tasks, amongst others if needed.
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 when required.
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 the lint trap if requested.
Support for the Warden
1. Out of hours cover – typically one weekend per month and 2 nights Mon-Fri.
2. Safety responsibilities including fire marshal and alarm tests.
3. Liaising with residents prior to departure to ensure that rooms are left in good condition.
Supporting Community Breakfast when required
1. Organising the daily communal breakfasts (Monday-Friday).
2. Checking stock and buying food and other provisions.
3. Food preparation of 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. Experience of Christian outreach.
2. Experience of working in a multicultural context 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).
4. Highly reliable, with good attention to detail.
5. Self-motivated.
6. Excellent spoken and written English.
OTHER ASPECTS OF THE ROLE
1. There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian.
2. An enhanced DBS check will be required.
3. 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
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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