Medic

An Outline Description of the Work - Medic (This post has been filled for 2024)

Vacational Studies Courses have run for 51 years. Most students come to us on recommendation from parents whose children have already been with us or who are the children of children who were with us in the '70s , '80s and '90s. We are accredited by the British Council and are members of English UK. We have high standards of professionalism and expect the same from staff. Our reputation is of the greatest importance. Parents are confident that their children will have a developmental summer, socially and linguistically.  Our Statement on Vacational Studies' Goals and Values is here.

The students

The job is to look after the medical and domestic welfare of the students and staff; to liaise with the Housekeeper over cleaning; to oversee the laundering of clothes (done in-house by a laundry person); to arrange the efficient collection/return of bed-linen; to check on the condition of bed-linen and advise on any damage. The services of a local doctor are retained. Parents are asked to provide a medical history and details of present health problems and allergies. Students' forms are available for inspection. In addition, the Medic will be involved in looking after the pastoral welfare of the students.

A note must be made in the Medical Record Book of all students' visits to the Medic, noting date, time, cause of visit, treatment and follow-up.

Assistant members of staff (normally undergraduate students, trainees, or similar) help both the Medic and the Sports/Social Organiser.

The Course Manager provides cover on the Medic's days off.

Extra-Curricular Activities

No extra-curricular involvement is expected, but the Medic's presence at events is appreciated.

Accommodation and Meals

The post is resident. Basic accommodation is provided at no charge, as are all meals, except meals on excursions.

Additional Activities

All staff accompany excursions and shopping trips on a rota basis. All staff assume the normal pastoral and safeguarding responsibilities that are part of boarding school life.

Duties

All staff have 1 duty day + 2 x ½ day duties each week, or the equivalent. The 'Duty Day' is described in the 'Notes for Staff'. There are also two completely free 24-hour days during the Course.

Dates, Duration and Pay

We offer employment for a period of just over four weeks from 10.00 on 6 July until mid-day on 3 August. Pay for the Medic is £2900.00 (two thousand nine hundred pounds) for the duration of the employment. For returning staff, there is a 10% addition in the second summer and a 15% addition in a third and subsequent summer. Payment is by bank transfer at the end of the course. If they wish, staff can be paid a 25% advance at the end of the first week, to be deducted from the final balance. As employment is temporary, if you affirm that the following is correct - 'this is my first job IN THE UK since 6 April 2024 and I have not been receiving taxable Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, taxable Incapacity Benefit, State or Occupational Pension', we are not required to deduct PAYE from staff at source. NI is deducted at the prevailing rate.

Weekly hours of work will vary as per your rota, usually between 35 and 38. If you find you are likely to work more than this, please see us and we shall arrange to adjust your hours or offer time-off in lieu or additional salary.

Suitability and Qualifications

We are looking for a Medic with some medical experience, who combines efficiency with friendliness and is also willing to make a contribution to the sports and social life of the Course. Experience in working in a boarding school environment is an advantage and, ideally, applicants will have worked with the 10-18 age-range. Please read https://vacational-studies.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Notes_for_Staff_dc0b90ceb7.pdfthe 'Notes for Staff' which describes the responsibilities in more detail. If your application is of interest, we shall contact your referees and, if these are satisfactory, we shall invite you for an interview. This may be via Zoom or Skype. If appointed, your acceptance of an offered post assumes the acceptance of the contents of the information on this page and the contract of employment.

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for everyone. We prioritise and adhere to safer recruitment practices. This involves running an enhanced DBS background check on all staff, checking the ‘barring list’, requesting proof of qualifications (if required for the role), and a minimum of two references per staff member. All staff are required to provide a CV and complete the application form before any employment offer.

Before arrival, staff complete an online Safeguarding/’Prevent’ course. On arrival, all staff are required to sign a declaration that they are not unfit to be working with children and young people aged 10-18+. 

Our Safeguarding Policy can be found here. Safeguarding is a priority for us. Designated Safeguarding Leads will re-enforce training and safeguarding values throughout the Course.

All staff must provide a copy of their ‘Right to Work’ in the UK before an offer of employment is made and bring their original documents to be verified on the first day of employment.

In the above ways, we aim to safeguard the well-being of our community and maintain the highest standards of integrity in our recruitment process.

The EU Working Hours Regulations 1998 Opt-Out Agreement

As this is a boarding school and hours are irregular, all staff are asked to sign this document. It is also in the Contract.