Residential Advisor - RA
Job Title: Residential Advisor (RA)
| Role Title | Residential Assistant (RA) |
|---|---|
| Location | Oxford, UK |
| Programme Dates | 2 August – 15 August 2026 |
| Training Days | 31 July & 1 August 2026 (mandatory, paid) |
| Contract Type | Fixed-Term Casual Worker Agreement |
| Total Engagement Fee | £1,793.13 gross (inclusive of accrued holiday pay) |
| Accommodation | Provided on-site for the duration of the programme |
| Meals | Provided on-site during programme hours |
| Reports To | Residential Dean |
| DBS Requirement | Enhanced DBS Check with Children’s Barred List (mandatory) |
About OSP
Oxford Scholars Programme (OSP) is a prestigious summer school designed for high-achieving students aged 14–18 years from around the world. Our mission is to provide an intellectually stimulating academic experience that fosters personal growth, critical thinking, and lifelong skills.
Role Overview
The Residential Assistant (RA) is at the heart of what makes the programme safe, supportive, and transformational for every student who attends. The RA is a frontline safeguarding, pastoral, and residential life professional. You will be responsible for the welfare, safety, and day-to-day wellbeing of students during their time on the programme.
This role carries significant responsibility. You will be working with young people in a regulated activity and are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, safeguarding practice, and pastoral care at all times.
Key Responsibilities
3.1 Safeguarding & Student Protection
- Act as a designated safeguarding lead for your residential group, following OSP’s Safeguarding Policy and reporting procedures at all times.
- Identify, record, and appropriately escalate any safeguarding concerns, and serve as the first point of contact in any incident or crisis involving a student.
- Conduct regular welfare checks, particularly during evenings and overnight duty shifts, and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with all students.
- Complete all mandatory safeguarding training prior to the programme and follow all emergency procedures as directed.
3.2 Student Group Leadership
Each RA is assigned a dedicated group of 12–13 students and is their primary point of contact for the entirety of the programme.
- Take full responsibility for the pastoral care, mental health, safety, and wellbeing of your assigned group of students throughout the programme.
- Be a friendly, approachable, and proactive presence — conducting regular one-to-one check-ins, responding to student needs, and ensuring every student is engaged and supported.
- Share your experience as a university student: provide mentorship, offer insight into your field of study, and give practical guidance on the university application process.
- Ensure students are aware of the programme schedule, actively participating in all activities, and have access to the information and support they need.
- Escort students between on-campus locations and accompany them on all off-campus excursions, maintaining continuous headcounts and ensuring group safety throughout.
3.3 Administration & General Support
- Accompany students to and from airports on arrival and departure days; assist with registration, luggage, and College orientation.
- Ensure venues are ready ahead of sessions and support the smooth delivery of programme activities as directed by senior staff.
- Complete incident report forms promptly, maintain accurate welfare records in line with GDPR, and attend all staff briefings and handovers.
- Represent OSP professionally at all times, on and off campus.
Hours & Schedule
This is a fully residential, live-in role. RAs work across a 6-day rota for the duration of the programme, with a guaranteed minimum of one full day off per week. Working hours are up to 55 hours per week, structured across morning and afternoon/evening shifts. Overnight duties are allocated on a rota basis.
Remuneration & Payment
The total engagement fee is £1,793.13 gross, comprising a base fee of £1,600.00 plus accrued statutory holiday pay of £193.13.
Person Specification
| Criterion | Essential | Desirable |
|---|---|---|
| Aged 18 or over at the start of the programme | ✓ | |
| Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one) | ✓ | |
| Experience working with young people (e.g. tutoring, coaching, youth work, camp counselling) | ✓ | |
| Strong pastoral instincts and genuine care for young people’s wellbeing | ✓ | |
| Ability to remain calm, professional, and decisive under pressure | ✓ | |
| Excellent communication skills with young people, parents, and colleagues | ✓ | |
| Ability to work flexibly including evenings, overnight duty, and weekends | ✓ | |
| Right to work in the UK | ✓ | |
| Current undergraduate or postgraduate student at a UK or international university | ✓ | |
| Previous residential programme, camp, or boarding school experience | ✓ | |
| First Aid qualification (e.g. Paediatric First Aid) | ✓ | |
| Experience supporting students with additional learning needs or mental health challenges | ✓ | |
| Familiarity with Oxford or the UK higher education system | ✓ |
What We Offer
- Total gross pay of £1,793.13 inclusive of accrued holiday pay
- Full board and accommodation provided on the University of Oxford campus for the full programme period
- Formal safeguarding training and pastoral care professional development
- References available upon satisfactory completion of the programme
- A supportive, collaborative team environment
Pre-Employment Requirements
All offers of engagement are conditional upon the following being satisfactorily completed:
- Enhanced DBS Check with Children’s Barred List — Oxford Scholars will arrange this and cover the cost. You must not begin work until clearance is confirmed.
- Verification of Right to Work in the UK (original documents required)
- Completion of OSP’s mandatory online safeguarding training
- Signing of the Residential Assistant Worker Agreement and Code of Conduct
- Provision of two references (one of which should be from an employer or educational institution)
Application Process
Complete our online application form and attach a current CV.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview
- Successful candidates will undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide right-to-work documentation
- Personal data will be handled in accordance with GDPR regulations
Application Deadline: 20th March 2026
(Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.)
OSP is committed to safeguarding and protecting children. All staff members undergo enhanced DBS checks. This advertisement is inclusive and does not discriminate based on gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Applicants are evaluated solely on their skills, qualifications, and suitability for the role.
Oxford Scholars is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.
