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Head Of Residence & Resident Nurse

Apply Waterford Kamhlaba UWCSA (Eswatini)

Job title: Head Of Residence & Resident Nurse

Location: UWC Waterford Kamhlaba, Southern Africa - Emhlabeni Hostel (Mandatory Residential Position)

Closing Date: Friday 26th June 2026

Applications sent to: vacancies@waterford.sz

View other vacancies at UWC Waterford Kamhlaba

UWC Waterford Kamhlaba is recruiting for an outstanding Head Of Residence & Resident Nurse

Reporting to: Director of Residences (DOR)

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 [source: 1]. 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." [source: 1] The incumbent combines professional healthcare with proactive administrative leadership, ensuring students feel safe, heard, and supported.

Core Requirement: Daily Presence & Availability

Constant Visibility: Maintain a consistent, high-profile daily presence within the hostel to foster trust and rapport.

Daily Availability: Be readily available to students at all times, ensuring they have an immediate, secure point of contact for concerns.

On-Site Residence: Mandatory on-site living to facilitate immediate response to emergencies or student needs during and after hours.

Key Performance Areas

I. Student Safety & Exeat Management

Exeat System Oversight: Oversee the implementation and administration of the residence Exeat system as outlined in the General Information Booklet. Ensure accurate monitoring of student sign-outs, sign-ins, overnight leave, and travel arrangements.

Supervision & Accountability: Monitor daily routines including meal attendance, study sessions, and social interactions. Conduct regular student roll calls and room checks to maintain accountability for student whereabouts at all times.

Movement Control: Develop, communicate, and implement clear guidelines regarding student conduct and movement to safeguard residents both on and off campus.

Incident Response: Respond effectively and with urgency to emergencies, critical incidents, and behavioral non-compliance.

II. Medical Care & Student Health

Clinical Nursing Care: Provide high-quality professional nursing care and first-line medical support to boarding students. Conduct health assessments and manage confidential student medical records.

Medication & Care Plans: Administer medications in accordance with prescribed medical protocols and school policies. Monitor students with chronic medical conditions and develop individualized care plans where necessary.

Emergency Coordination: Respond promptly to medical emergencies and coordinate necessary medical appointments and referrals with external healthcare providers.

Wellness Promotion: Promote preventative healthcare, hygiene monitoring, and student wellness initiatives. Provide health education, positive mental health guidance, and emotional resilience support.

III. Residence Operations & Facility Management

Routine Inspections: Regularly inspect the boarding facilities and student rooms to ensure high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, safety, tidiness, and operational presentation.

Maintenance Reporting: Promptly report all necessary repairs or maintenance issues to the appropriate department and actively follow up to ensure swift completion.

Cross-Departmental Liaison: Coordinate and liaise with housekeeping, maintenance, security, catering, and other support departments to ensure optimal residence upkeep.

Operational Efficiency: Ensure boarding facilities fully comply with health and safety requirements, assisting in developing systems that improve operational efficiency and the overall student experience.

IV. Pastoral Care & Communication

Empathetic Engagement: Develop meaningful, supportive relationships with students, ensuring they feel comfortable airing problems and receiving prompt, empathetic responses.

Wellbeing Intervention: Identify students requiring additional emotional, mental, or behavioral support, utilizing conflict resolution and restorative practices where appropriate.

Stakeholder Liaison: Maintain regular, professional communication with parents and guardians regarding student welfare, health, and residential progress.

Collaborative Alignment: Collaborate closely with academic staff, counsellors, healthcare providers, and school leadership to support holistic student success.

V. Safeguarding & Child Protection

Safeguarding Lead: Act as a key safeguarding lead within the boarding environment, serving as the primary point of contact for students needing protection and support.

Policy Compliance: Ensure full compliance with the school's safeguarding and child protection policies. Identify, document, and report safeguarding concerns promptly.

Professional Discretion: Maintain strict professional boundaries and uphold the highest standards of confidentiality in all student matters. Participate actively in safeguarding training and awareness programmes.

VI. Staff Supervision & Administration

Staff Coordination: Supervise and coordinate residential support staff assigned to the hostel. Assist with the induction, training, and performance management of residence staff while promoting teamwork and high service standards.

Record Keeping: Maintain meticulous student records, medical files, incident reports, and communication logs. Prepare timely reports as required by the Director of Residences and school leadership, managing all data securely.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Diploma or Degree in Nursing from a recognized institution.

• Current registration and a valid practicing license with the relevant Nursing Council.
• Minimum of five (5) years' post-qualification nursing experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience working 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 license.

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

Interpersonal Excellence: Strong relationship-building skills, exceptional empathy, emotional intelligence, and cultural sensitivity. Ability to build trust with youth from diverse backgrounds.Clinical Expertise: Strong clinical assessment, critical thinking, and independent decision-making skills.
Crisis Management: Ability to remain calm, decisive, and authoritative during medical or emotional
emergencies.Communication & Conflict Resolution: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities; skilled in dispute resolution and mediation.Professional Integrity: High levels of professionalism, discretion, and adherence to strict confidentiality.
Organization: Strong organizational, administrative, and multi-tasking capabilities.

Working Conditions

Mandatory Residence: This is a mandatory residential position requiring the incumbent to reside on campus within the designated accommodation.Flexible Hours: The role requires active availability outside normal working hours, including evenings,
weekends, and holiday/emergency situations.Community Presence: The incumbent is expected to maintain an active, visible presence within the residence community and participate in school events, orientation programs, and residential duty schedules.

Key Performance Indicators

• Student wellbeing, safety, and overall satisfaction.
• 100% compliance with safeguarding and child protection standards.
• Effective, prompt management of student medical care and emergencies.
• Residence operational efficiency, cleanliness, and maintenance standards.
• Accuracy, security, and timeliness of records, medical files, and reports.
• Quality and frequency of communication with students, parents, and school staff.
• Student attendance accountability and strict Exeat compliance.
• Fostering a positive residential culture and successful staff performance outcomes.

Commitment to Excellence

The Head of Residence & Resident Nurse plays a critical role in shaping the student boarding experience. The successful candidate must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to being present and proactive, ensuring that the hostel is a safe, high-functioning, and supportive environment where every student is valued, protected, and empowered to thrive.