Somerset College seeks Christian Boarding House Assistants for 2026 start

Somerset College is seeking two enthusiastic and vibrant Christian Residential Boarding House Assistants to join their Chaplaincy team, starting on 1 January 2026 for a one-year fixed-term contract. This crucial residential non-teaching role involves providing pastoral care and spiritual oversight within the Boys’ and Girls’ Boarding Houses, working closely with the Chaplain and Heads of Boarding. The successful candidates will be approachable, positive individuals responsible for supporting boarders and maintaining a supportive environment, potentially assisting with some extramural activities. Applicants should have a valid driver’s licence and submit their applications by 23 October 2025.

Detailed list of vacancy key details

• Job Title: Residential Boarding House Assistants
• Institution: Somerset College
• Commencement Date: 1 January 2026
• Contract Duration: 1 year Fixed-Term Contract
• Role Type: Residential non-teaching position, supporting pastoral care and spiritual oversight.
• Team: Chaplaincy team, working with the Chaplain and Heads of Boarding.
• Houses: Founders (girls’ house) and Vineyard (boys’ house).
• Key Qualities: Vibrant, energetic, Christian, approachable, positive, warm.
• Responsibilities include: Spiritual oversight, organising weekly Youth evenings, pastoral care, student supervision, duty shifts (some weekly afternoons/evenings and one full weekend per month), maintaining behaviour standards, and supporting House policies.
• Essential Requirement: A valid driver’s licence.
• Application Deadline: 23 October 2025

Simple summary of the vacancy

Somerset College has an exciting opening for two Residential Boarding House Assistants, with roles available in both their Boys’ and Girls’ Boarding Houses. This is a residential position, not a teaching job, and it’s set to begin on 1 January 2026, lasting for one year on a fixed-term contract. The college is looking for individuals who are not only vibrant and energetic but also share Christian values, to become key members of the Chaplaincy team.

The core of this role is to provide essential pastoral care and spiritual guidance to the boarders, working under the direction of the Chaplain and the Heads of Boarding. You would be a visible and supportive presence in the boarding community, helping to organise weekly Youth evenings and ensuring a high standard of behaviour and adherence to House policies. The role requires commitment to duty shifts, including some afternoons, evenings, and one full weekend each month. It’s vital that applicants possess a valid driver’s licence. Somerset College is an equal opportunity employer and maintains confidentiality regarding all applications.

How to apply for this post

• Prepare a letter of application.
• Compile your up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Gather contact details for three professional references.
• Email all these documents in confidence to [email protected].
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Potential candidate questions and advice

• Q: What exactly does “spiritual oversight” entail for this role?
  A: This involves working under the Chaplain’s guidance to nurture the spiritual well-being of the boarders, providing regular points of contact, and helping to organise and run weekly Youth evenings.
• Q: Is accommodation provided as part of this residential role?
  A: While the post is described as “residential,” specific details about accommodation provision are not explicitly stated. It is advisable to clarify this during an interview or by contacting the human resources department.
• Q: What are the expected working hours, particularly regarding weekend duties?
  A: You will be on duty some weekly afternoons and evenings, plus one full weekend (Friday to Sunday) per month. Flexibility and a willingness to be present in the communal areas during nominated hours are important.
• Q: Is this a teaching job?
  A: No, this is explicitly a “residential non-teaching role.” Your primary focus will be on pastoral care, supervision, and spiritual guidance, though it may include some extramural activities. If you are looking for specific teaching jobs, this particular vacancy is not one of them.
• Q: What makes a candidate stand out for this position?
  A: Candidates who demonstrate genuine warmth, a positive attitude, strong interpersonal skills, a commitment to Christian values, and a proactive approach to supporting young people in a boarding environment will be highly regarded.
• Q: How important is the valid driver’s licence?
  A: It is stated as “essential,” meaning it is a mandatory requirement for the role. This suggests you may be required to transport students or assist with off-campus activities.
• Q: What is the institution’s stance on equal opportunities and applications?
  A: Somerset College is an equal opportunity employer. While all applications are welcomed, the school reserves the right not to make an appointment, and submitting an application does not guarantee an interview.
• Q: What should my letter of application focus on?
  A: Your letter should highlight your Christian values, your experience in pastoral care or working with young people, your energetic and approachable nature, and how you align with the specific responsibilities of a Boarding House Assistant.
• Q: What is the closing date for applications?
  A: The closing date for applications is 23 October 2025. Make sure to submit all required documents well before this date.
• Q: How will my personal information be handled?
  A: In line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Somerset College will ensure the confidentiality of all applicants. Your personal information will be protected and used solely for the recruitment, selection, and reporting process.
• Q: Are there opportunities for professional development in this role?
  A: While not explicitly mentioned, working within an educational institution often presents opportunities for growth and training, particularly in pastoral care and youth leadership. You could inquire about this during the interview.

Institution details

• Name: Somerset College
• Website: http://www.somersetcollege.org
• Address: Bredell Road, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa

For more information on this specific role, please visit: Residential Boarding House Assistants at Somerset College.

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