International Accommodation Officer

Community spirit
- Bayside Location
- Interactive learning environments

**THE COLLEGES**

**POSITION**

This position is the first point of support for overseas students in homestay accommodation, parents and Homestay Providers.

The International Accommodation Officer fulfils the role of Student Contact Officer for overseas students in homestay accommodation, a requirement of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act and in particular Standard 5 of the National Code.

The International Accommodation Officer reports to the Director of International.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

The responsibilities of this position may at times be required to be fulfilled to align with key market time zones, which may result in earlier starting times or later finishing times.

It is expected that the International Accommodation Officer will:
**Liaison and Welfare**
- Monitor all aspects of the Homestay Program, focusing on ensuring accommodation placements are age and culturally appropriate from pre-arrival to departure from the Colleges
- Meet with students in homestay at key stages and as required, e.g. at least once per term
- Identify issues of particular importance to overseas students and refer on to the relevant staff member to ensure these issues are addressed in a consistent and effective manner, including an appropriate follow-up mechanism.
- Conduct welfare surveys as required
- Conduct homestay orientation sessions for overseas students
- Expedite and ensure appointments with key staff such as careers or counselling.
- Relocate students as approved
- Liaise with all staff and Homestay Providers regarding the culture of overseas students as necessary
- Be available for after-hours response to critical incidents involving homestay
- Coordinate with the International Coordinator to ensure there is no ‘gap’ in welfare for students whom the College has welfare arrangements
- Coordinate with the International Coordinator to ensure ‘nominated persons’, such as family friends as indicated by parents, are suitable and necessary processes actioned and monitored.
- Monitor and liaise (in collaboration with Health Centre) regarding overseas student immunisation program
- Facilitate appropriate translations or interpretation, as required e.g. meetings and written text
- Provide in-class support for international students

**Administration and Compliance**
- Correspond with overseas agents/clients in an efficient and timely manner, ensuring that their queries are answered, and homestay details are communicated in accordance with company 48 hour-response policy
- Maintain and update the Position Manual for this role.
- Fulfil duties in line, and in the spirit of, all Colleges’ policies, in particular those required under the ESOS Framework, including the National Code, and Colleges’ Working with Children Check requirements.
- Act as a Blue Card Representative for the area of homestay and liaise with the Risk and Compliance Officer as required.
- Accurately and punctually maintain and monitor database integrity as per the Colleges’ Privacy Policy, including:

- Register of Approved Accommodation Providers
- Relevant Working with Children information
- Blue Card Information
- Monitor Homestay Provider, overseas student and parent satisfaction with the homestay program
- Assist in the recruitment of new Homestay Providers in accordance with the relevant screening processes to ensure a steady supply of homestay placements.
- Update homestay documents as required, such as homestay guidelines and associated paperwork
- Action processes and materials for homestay annual training and induction sessions, including through digital learning management systems.
- Coordinate and record payments to Homestay Providers in liaison with the finance department
- Monitor homestay fee payments by parents and follow up as necessary in liaison with the finance department
- Conduct, organise and monitor ongoing homestay quality assurance processes, such as homestay inspections and verifications.
- Assist in the creation and dispatch of key communications via various mediums, such as:

- MBC and MBBC websites
- Database Management Systems (TASS)
- Assist in the creation and dispatch of forms via various medium, such as:

- Microsoft Form
- Coordinate and collaborate with the International Coordinator in relation to homestay processes, placements, availability, compliance and welfare.
- Actively contribute to a safety citizenship culture upholding health and safety policies, procedures, hazard reporting and safe work practices.

**Skills and abilities**
- Exceptional customer service, communication skills and empathy
- Excellent digital literacy
- Effective and efficient use of Microsoft Office
- Ability to handle highly sensitive material and information with discretion and confidentiality
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to work as a team and independently
- Dedication to discretion and confidentiality
- Excelle