HEAD OF RESIDENCE & RESIDENT NURSE

HEAD OF RESIDENCE & RESIDENT NURSE

REPORTS TO: Director of Residences (DOR)
DEPARTMENT: Residences
LOCATION: Emhlabeni Hostel (Mandatory Residential Position)
CLOSING DATE: Wednesday, 24 June 2026

Only suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. A detailed CV, application letter, and certified copies of qualifications should be emailed to vacancies@waterford.sz with the subject line:

“Application – Head of Residence & Resident Nurse”

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB

The Head of Residence & Resident Nurse is a high-visibility, dual-capacity role designed to restore safety, medical security, and pastoral excellence within the hostel. Serving as the primary parental figure for a diverse community of 140 international students from 68 different countries, this position ensures the residence is a true “home away from home.” The incumbent combines professional healthcare with proactive administrative leadership, ensuring students feel safe, heard, and supported.

CORE REQUIREMENT: DAILY PRESENCE & AVAILABILITY

• Maintain a consistent, high-profile daily presence within the hostel to foster trust and rapport.
• Be readily available to students at all times, ensuring they have an immediate, secure point of contact for concerns.
• Mandatory on-site living to facilitate immediate response to emergencies or student needs during and after hours.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS (KPAs)

I. STUDENT SAFETY & EXEAT MANAGEMENT

• Oversee the implementation and administration of the residence Exeat system.
• Ensure accurate monitoring of student sign-outs, sign-ins, overnight leave, and travel arrangements.
• Monitor daily routines, including meal attendance, study sessions, and social interactions.
• Conduct regular student roll calls and room checks.
• Develop and implement clear guidelines regarding student conduct and movement.
• Respond effectively to emergencies, critical incidents, and behavioural non-compliance.

II. MEDICAL CARE & STUDENT HEALTH

• Provide professional nursing care and first-line medical support.
• Conduct health assessments and manage confidential medical records.
• Administer medications according to prescribed protocols and school policies.
• Monitor students with chronic medical conditions and develop care plans.
• Coordinate medical appointments and referrals.
• Promote preventative healthcare, hygiene monitoring, and wellness initiatives.
• Provide health education, mental health guidance, and emotional resilience support.

III. RESIDENCE OPERATIONS & FACILITY MANAGEMENT

• Conduct regular inspections of boarding facilities and student rooms.
• Report and follow up on maintenance and repair issues.
• Liaise with housekeeping, maintenance, security, catering, and support departments.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Assist in developing systems that improve operational efficiency and student experience.

IV. PASTORAL CARE & COMMUNICATION

• Build supportive relationships with students.
• Identify students requiring emotional, mental, or behavioural support.
• Utilize conflict resolution and restorative practices.
• Maintain professional communication with parents and guardians.
• Collaborate with academic staff, counsellors, healthcare providers, and school leadership.

V. SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION

• Act as a key safeguarding lead within the boarding environment.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Identify, document, and report safeguarding concerns.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Participate in safeguarding training and awareness programs.

VI. STAFF SUPERVISION & ADMINISTRATION

• Supervise and coordinate residential support staff.
• Assist with staff induction, training, and performance management.
• Maintain student records, medical files, incident reports, and communication logs.
• Prepare reports for the Director of Residences and school leadership.
• Manage data securely.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Diploma or Degree in Nursing from a recognized institution.
• Current registration and valid practicing license with the relevant Nursing Council.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ post-qualification nursing experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in a boarding school, educational institution, student residence, youth development environment, or related pastoral care setting.
• Current First Aid, CPR, and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and child protection practices.
• Strong computer literacy, including MS Office applications and electronic record-keeping systems.
• Valid driver’s licence.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Public Health, Healthcare Management, Education, Psychology, Social Work, or Counselling.
• Qualification or certification in Counselling, Child and Youth Care, Mental Health, or Pastoral Care.
• Experience working in an international school or multicultural environment.
• Leadership or supervisory experience within a boarding or residential setting.
• Specialized training in safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, restorative practices, or adolescent wellbeing.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Exceptional empathy, emotional intelligence, and cultural sensitivity.
• Strong clinical assessment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive during emergencies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and multitasking abilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Mandatory residential position with on-campus accommodation.
• Availability required outside normal working hours, including evenings, weekends, and emergencies.
• Active participation in school events, orientation programs, and residential duty schedules.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

• Student wellbeing, safety, and satisfaction.
• Compliance with safeguarding and child protection standards.
• Effective management of medical care and emergencies.
• Residence operational efficiency and maintenance standards.
• Accuracy and security of records and reports.
• Quality communication with students, parents, and staff.
• Student attendance accountability and Exeat compliance.
• Positive residential culture and staff performance outcomes.

APPLICATION EMAIL: vacancies@waterford.sz

CLOSING DATE: 24 June 2026.