Boarder / Hostel Mistress Required

Imforce Recruitment; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading girls' secondary school in Pietermaritzburg is looking for a House Mother. This live-in role involves ensuring the well-being of boarders, supporting their personal and academic development, and collaborating closely with staff. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal and management skills, alongside relevant educational qualifications.

Benefits

Meals provided during school session

Live-in position

Qualifications

• Experience with young women, especially girls, preferred.
• Open only to female applicants.
• Own reliable vehicle with valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety and well-being of boarders.
• Coordinate with departments and participate in all boarding activities.
• Handle administrative tasks and manage reception duties.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Management Skills

Compassionate Listening

Education

Diploma or Degree in Education

Tools

Computer Skills

Job description

This is a girls' secondary school offering education from Grade 8 to Grade 12. Most students are day scholars, but for those coming from further away, the school also provides weekly and termly boarding options. This gives girls the chance to experience school life without having to commute every day, while still being part of a vibrant and welcoming community.

As a school, our mission is to promote human dignity and equal opportunity, the maximum freedom of the individual within the context of the maximum good for all, excellence according to the talent and interest of each person, a sound set of values, service, a respect for community and environment, a commitment to the search for truth, the acquisition of knowledge and the development of skills.

The Boarding Establishment (BE) is situated in lovely grounds adjacent to the school. Boarding life enables girls to participate fully in the school's activities.

The girls are able to balance their commitments and keep up with their schoolwork. The BE is under the control of the School Governing Body, the Principal, and the Boarder Superintendent. A Senior Housemother, four Housemothers, and approximately ten Boarder Mistresses live in the BE and are responsible for the welfare and behavior of all the girls.

General Duties:

• Work closely with the Senior House Mother and other House Mothers
• Attend daily meetings
• Oversee and mentor the Boarder Mistresses and hold regular meetings
• Assist with interviews for new Boarder Mistresses in consultation with the Senior

House Mother and Head of Boarding:

• Ensure the safety and well-being of boarders at all times
• Provide pastoral care to support emotional and academic well-being
• Take responsibility for a specific grade as Grade House Mother
• Coordinate with departments such as school, kitchen, laundry, sickbay, and housekeeping regarding BE matters
• Participate in all boarding activities
• Attend professional development courses as required
• Maintain communication with parents and address issues promptly
• Handle administrative tasks: emails, records, reports, rosters, dorm allocations
• Manage reception duties: answer calls, attend to visitors
• Plan excursions, transportation, packed meals, and special arrangements for boarders

Additional Responsibilities:

• Be present during meal times at the BE
• Delegate tasks and involve all Boarder Mistresses
• Interact with and support girls, getting to know them individually
• Drive boarders to events and activities as needed
• Report concerns to the Senior House Mother or Head of Boarding
• Work closely with matriculants and senior students
• Perform other duties as required by the Head of Boarding

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Assertive, positive, cheerful, with a can-do attitude
• Sense of humor, flexible, able to multitask and work under pressure
• Friendly, approachable, tolerant, patient, impartial
• Empathetic, good listener, compassionate, calm in all situations
• Maintain confidentiality, personal integrity, patience, stamina

Qualifications and Skills:

• Open only to female applicants
• Diploma or Degree in Education preferred
• Ability to understand or speak isiZulu is an advantage
• Experience working with young women, especially girls, preferred
• Strong management skills
• Good health, non-smoker
• Proficient in computer skills
• Own reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license
• Ability to build positive relationships with staff and girls

Expectations for All Staff:

• Perform duties with integrity and diligence
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor
• Develop positive relationships within the school community, including parents, learners, and colleagues
• Support the school's ethos as outlined in the Mission Statement

Note: This is a live-in position. All meals (except during holidays and closed weekends) are provided.