Job Description

Overview

As an integral member of the student life team, the Boarding Assistant plays a key role in supporting the holistic development of students and contributing to a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive boarding environment at Purcell Collegiate. Boarding Assistants are expected to be present at the student boarding facility during their scheduled shifts, including overnights, to provide continuous support and supervision to students in residence.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Student Well-being and Pastoral Care

Build trusting relationships with students and make meaningful connections, especially during their transition into residence. Act as a daily point of emotional and social support, being consistently available as a trusted, compassionate adult figure. Observe and assess student wellbeing proactively, reporting concerns or changes in behavior to the Boarding Coordinator or Deputy Head of School. Respond promptly and sensitively to student concerns, including emotional distress, interpersonal conflict, and homesickness; make referrals to professional staff as appropriate. Model and promote respectful, inclusive behavior in the dorm and across the broader campus community. Support students in developing personal responsibility, resilience, time management, and self-advocacy skills.
Community Engagement & Activity Programming

Foster a welcoming and inclusive dorm culture that values cross-cultural friendships, student leadership, and shared responsibility. Take initiative in organizing and leading engaging evening and weekend activities that promote community building, recreation, cultural exchange, and personal growth. Facilitate dorm traditions, student initiatives, and community-building events that help students feel connected and at home. Participate actively in dorm events, off-campus trips, and weekend programs, except during designated time off. Be visibly present in student life by sharing meals, engaging in daily routines, and maintaining regular interaction with students both in and outside the dormitory.
Safety & Supervision

Respond calmly and effectively to emergencies, ensuring student safety and communicating promptly with relevant staff and/or emergency services. Conduct regular room inspections to promote cleanliness, safety, and adherence to community standards. Enforce boarding policies consistently, including curfews, visitor protocols, and behavioral expectations, while maintaining positive relationships with students. Report and follow up on maintenance concerns, damage, or incidents in a timely manner.
Communication & Team Collaboration

Maintain open, respectful communication with students, colleagues, and school leadership. Attend dorm team meetings to share observations, coordinate student support, and contribute to program planning. Complete documentation requirements, including incident reports and written updates on student interactions or concerns. Work collaboratively with the Deputy Head of School, Boarding Coordinator, and other staff to create a coordinated and supportive residential experience.
Professional Conduct

Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and discretion, especially when dealing with sensitive or confidential student information. Participate in ongoing training sessions to stay informed about boarding policies, safety protocols, and youth development practices. Uphold and embody the school's mission and values, serving as a mentor, positive role model, and ambassador for Purcell Collegiate within the dorm and broader community.
Preferred Skills, Abilities, & Experiences

Strong interpersonal skills and a high degree of approachability. Demonstrated ability to support a diverse, intersectional community with varying cultural, emotional, and developmental needs. Willingness and ability to act as a role model for students and ambassador for Purcell Collegiate's mission, vision, and values. Capacity to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment. Experience planning and facilitating events, activities, or student trips. Experience responding to emergencies or critical incidents, including collaboration with first responders, school leadership, and families. Strong written and oral communication skills. Personal experience with Truth and Reconciliation and/or Indigenous engagement. Proficiency in a second language (asset).
Additional consideration will be given to applicants who were international students themselves and/or attended boarding schools when in high school.

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and/or relevant experience working with and supporting youth preferred satisfactory completion of a Criminal Records Check including Vulnerable Sector Query Class 5 drivers license required (preference for Class 4) submission of a current Driver's Abstract have or be willing to obtain valid First Aid (SFA-C & AED)
We are committed to cultivating a diverse, inclusive and barrier-free environment for our learning community including staff, students, and their families.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Casual

Pay: $20.63-$25.41 per hour

Expected hours: 10 - 40 per week

Education:

Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Work Location: In person