Skills Exchange jobs

Job Title: Local Area Representative

Location: Travel required to meet host families and students within the area where you have applied (WEP UK is recruiting across the UK for this role).

Type: Freelance – this role is suited to someone who wants to supplement their income by working with families and young people. This is not a fixed hours role.

Expected hours of work: variable and flexible. Ability to work evenings and weekends. You determine your hours of work based on the number of families you can recruit to welcome our students.

Job Description:

Are you passionate about helping students navigate their academic journeys? Do you have a strong understanding of the challenges faced by high school-aged foreign students adapting to new cultures and educational systems? Are you willing to meet new host families and bring them onboard?

We are seeking dedicated and empathetic Area Representatives based across the UK to secure placements for and provide support to foreign high school students in their academic and personal growth while they study in the UK.

As an Area Representative with WEP UK you will be the face of the organisation in your local area. You will be responsible for promoting our programmes and recruiting local host families who can welcome our students. You may also meet with local schools.

This role requires a candidate who is kind, caring and able to quickly establish relationships with people of all ages. You must be motivated to work independently to new challenges will arise and you will be required to respond in an appropriate and measured manner. You will always have the guidance of the WEP UK office team to ensure that you are fully supported and can give the best advice.

WEP (UK) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.

Role purpose: To recruit host families and schools to welcome the students and support the students and families during the exchange period.

Responsibilities:

• To develop and maintain good relationships with students, host families and schools in your local area.
• To recruit host families who can welcome an exchange student into their home for 3 -5 months and interview and assess new and/or existing host families and their home for suitability to host.
• Complete and secure all necessary paperwork to finalise a student placement, e.g DBS/PVG checks, host family agreements etc.
• To maintain regular contact with the students and host families under your supervision while they are on a programme with WEP UK .Timetable of expected level of contact is provided.
• Provide effective communication to students, schools and host families in a professional manner and one which is both informative and supportive.
• Provide emotional support and foster a positive, inclusive environment that encourages students to reach their full potential.
• Organise and lead virtual check-ins or group sessions to discuss student progress, mental well-being, and cultural experiences.
• Complete a written report to the WEP UK office on a monthly basis about the progress of your students.
• Report to the WEP UK office about any concerns that need attention or escalation in their management.
• Develop and maintain an awareness of Safeguarding and Child Protection responsibilities, best practices and company procedures. Undertake training when requested.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with or mentoring high school-aged students, particularly international or foreign students.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Motivated to work independently and drive your compensation by securing host families
• Fluent in English (additional languages are a plus).
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple students and tasks efficiently.
• A patient and empathetic attitude, with the ability to provide both academic and emotional support.
• Experience with remote communication tools (email, video calls, chat platforms).
• Must hold a driving license and have access to a vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a student or family support role
• Background in psychology, education or social work
• Familiarity with the challenges faced by international students and how to address them effectively.

Why Join Us:

• Flexible work schedule (remote position).
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on the academic and personal development of international students.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• International opportunities to travel as a chaparone

Our Area Representatives are reliable, motivated and have a ‘can-do’ attitude. You must be able to respond to changing situations and an ability to deal with people who might have a very demanding attitude. An ability to remain calm in times of stress is vital.

Our Area Representatives are well presented and professional and want to ensure the success of the students and host families in their care.

Disclosure and Barring Service / Disclosure Scotland Checks:

This role involves working with young people. As such it is required that any successful applicant would need to complete a DBS / PVG Enhanced check and reference checks prior to their position being confirmed.

Job Type: Freelance

Pay: £1.00-£1,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Work from home

Application question(s):

• Have you ever lived overseas?
• Do you have access to a car?

Language:

• Any other languages? (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work Location: On the road