Residential Communities Officer

Menzies Research Institute; Launceston; On-site; AUD 92,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Tasmania is seeking a Residential Communities Officer based in Launceston. You will support students across campuses, provide wellbeing and engagement initiatives, and respond empathetically to concerns within residential communities.

The role requires flexible roster work including evenings and occasional Saturdays. Join a team guided by the Campus Accommodation portfolio, contributing to safe, inclusive, and vibrant living environments that foster belonging and personal

Qualifications

• Degree in human services or education or equivalent experience.
• Current Tasmanian Registration to Work with Vulnerable People.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• First Aid and Mental Health First Aid qualifications are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Ensure residents feel safe and well supported with empathetic, timely responses from RCOs.
• Conduct regular one-on-one pastoral care meetings with student residents with comprehensive notes and referrals as needed.
• Demonstrate sound judgment through risk assessment and appropriate responses to student behaviours and incidents.
• Support the Dean of Students through engagement with student bodies and development of engagement programs.

Skills

Cultural competence

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Pastoral care

Education

Degree in human services or education

Job description

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust
• Reliability and flexibility to work shifts outside standard hours
• Ongoing, Full Time based in Launceston

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.

About the opportunity

The Residential Communities Officer (RCO) is a key student-facing role within the University's Campus Accommodation portfolio, supporting students living across its residential communities in Hobart, Sandy Bay, Launceston, and Burnie. The role provides high-quality support to a diverse residential population, including both domestic and international students.

The RCO plays an important role in enhancing the student residential experience by supporting students' transition into residential life, fostering a welcoming and inclusive community, and promoting student wellbeing, engagement, and academic success. Working closely with students, the RCO responds to a broad range of needs and concerns with empathy, professionalism, and a student-centred approach.

Guided by the Dean of Students and aligned with the Residential Communities Strategy 2025-2030, the RCO contributes to the development of safe, vibrant, and distinctly Tasmanian residential communities where students can thrive. The role supports a collegiate living model that promotes belonging, personal growth, shared experiences, and student leadership, underpinned by principles of resident focus, collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.

The position requires flexibility, including participation in a roster that includes fixed shifts extending to 7.00 pm and occasional Saturday work on a rotational basis.

What you’ll do:

• Ensure students living in residential colleges feel safe and well supported through positive, empathetic and timely responses from RCOs to any concerns raised.
• Regular one-on-one pastoral care meetings conducted with student residents, with comprehensive case notes maintained and appropriate referrals made to internal and external support services where required.
• Demonstrated sound judgment through effective risk assessment and appropriate responses to student behaviours and incidents, including critical incidents, in accordance with established procedures and with a strong focus on student welfare.
• Support the Dean of Students through regular engagement with student representative bodies and student-led groups, contributing to the development and delivery of student engagement programs, events, and initiatives that foster a thriving, inclusive community and a strong sense of belonging among all residents.

What we’re looking for:

• Demonstrated excellent cultural competence, with proven experience effectively supporting and engaging people from diverse cultural backgrounds and communities.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to complex and critical incidents using a people-centred, safety-first approach, in accordance with Work Health and Safety legislation and University policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong people-centred approach, including the ability to engage and present to large groups, act as a positive role model for student residents, and effectively negotiate and resolve conflicts
• A degree qualification and relevant experience in a human services or education setting, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience, education, and training.
• Current Tasmanian Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (Employment status) and a valid driver's licence. First Aid and Mental Health First Aid qualifications are desirable

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 6 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $116,872 comprising base salary within the range of $92,120 to $99,891 plus 17% superannuation.

Applications close Sunday, 4 October 2026, 11.55pm

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.