ADVERT FOR BOARDING HOUSE PARENTS

LUSAKA WEST SCHOOL is a privately owned Day and Boarding school, registered with the Ministry of Education to provide Secondary Education.  The School is situated on the outskirts of Lusaka, off Mumbwa Road. The school now seeks the services of highly motivated and qualified individuals to join its team of skilled professionals.

The School is looking for the services of House Parents for the boys and girls boarding houses.

The houseparent is expected to act “in loco parentis” for the pupils and provide a supportive environment.

Responsibilities.

• Leading, managing, and monitoring the running of the boarding house.
• Ensuring the safety, good discipline, and pastoral well-being of all boarders.
• Managing effectively and efficiently the resources of the boarding house.
• Ensuring high health and safety standards and requirements are observed within the boarding house.
• Knowing each pupil personally and being concerned for their academic, social, and personal development.
• Liaising with other staff regarding each pupil.
• Developing a creative programme to keep pupils busy and productive.
• Developing awareness of good health, hygiene, eating, and sleeping habits.
• Implementing and maintaining pastoral care in the boarding house.
• Ensuring that boarding houses and the surroundings are tidy and clean.
• Supporting and implementing the school’s disciplinary policy within the House concerning the school’s code of conduct.
• Ensure good behaviour and character moulding of the children.
• Supervise and arrange activities that promote intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual development.
• Ensure pupils are attending classes.
• Lend a sympathetic ear to children with problems and provide counselling services.
• Perform minor domestic duties.
• Accompany students on outings when required.
• Perform any other duty as the School may require.

Qualifications

1.       Must be mature and not less than 40 years of age.

2.       Must have a full grade twelve (12) certificate.

3.       Diploma in guidance and counselling/Psychology

4.       Degree will be an added advantage or any related field.

5.       At least three years (3) experience in a similar role will be an added advantage.

Personal Attributes

1.       Practicing Christian

2.       Energetic and physically fit to cope with the physical demands of the job.

3.       Cheerful and Sober.

4.       Self-driven, creative, and innovative.

5.       Have a genuine concern for the well-being of young people.

6.       Understanding pupil’s needs and cultural differences.

7.       Have a sense of responsibility.

8.       Have good leadership, planning, and organizational skills.

9.       Able to work closely with others in a community setting.

Working conditions

Being a house parent must be considered more of a calling than an occupation. A house parent is on duty 24 hours a day (just like being a parent to your children) and shall reside at the boarding house with the pupils.

A house parent should have an innate concern for the well-being of youngsters.  As a house parent, you do not choose the pupils in your care, so understanding cultural and personality differences is important.