Duration: 
12 months
Start Date: 
15 November 2023
End Date: 
1 December 2024
Application deadline: 
20 August 2023
Closed position

The House Assistant works together with the House Manager and other House Assistant to ensure a positive image of the Centre in terms of the cleanliness and general appearance of all of the indoor facilities. This includes taking care of the laundry services, assisting in the coordination of daily and seasonal cleaning routines, guest check-ins and -outs, helping with special events, and ensuring that all guests receive excellent service during their stay. The House Assistant also leads and organizes the Short Term Staff’s daily work. If you would like to manage and motivate a team of volunteers while ensuring the operations of the House team run smoothly, we look forward to your application!

Requirements

  • Needs to be at least 18 years old
  • Is a member of an Association recognised by WOSM/WAGGGS
  • Communicates well in written and spoken English

Skills & Qualifications

Essential

  • Ability to work within an international team of volunteers
  • Ability to motivate and lead a team of volunteers
  • Ability to work well independently
  • Ability to work well under pressure and within strict timelines
  • Affinity for customer service and guest contact
  • Professional, disciplined and efficient approach to work and planning
  • Willingness to work according to a flexible schedule

Desirable

  • Has previously been a member of the staff team at KISC
  • Experience and/or certification in the hospitality and/or cleaning industry
  • Experience in people management
  • Ability to communicate in German
  • Holds a driver’s license

Main tasks

  • Ensure a high quality of guest service at all times
  • Train and supervise staff working in House
  • Clean guest and staff areas within the hygiene standards set out by KISC
  • Organise and execute regular and seasonal cleaning procedures of all guest and work areas
  • Plan and organise the operation of the laundry services and guest recycling
  • Assist in the organisation of special events and conferences

Other responsibilities

  • Deal with any guest enquiries relating to the Centre
  • Run and develop staff training
  • Assist in other areas of the Centre where necessary
  • Involve in the execution of the Centre’s Operational Plan
  • Work and communicate effectively with all staff and guests

Management

General

The position is part of the House team within the wider Guest Services team at KISC. The House team consists of the House Manager (12 months), one House Assistant (12 months), and one Summer House Assistant (4 months).

Line manager

The line manager for this position is the Guest Services Director, with daily work coordinated by the House Manager. The House Assistant have weekly meetings with the line manager and the House team to cover operational matters, and also has regular one-on-one appraisals.

Team management

The House Assistant takes responsibility to be in charge of House shifts on a rotational basis with the other House Long Term Staff. The House Assistant fills in for the House Manager on their days off or holidays.

The House Assistant will also have regular contact with other members of the Long Term Staff team and it is essential to build a good working relationship and honest communication with them.

Staff management

The House team also work with Short Term Staff on a rotation basis with other teams in the Centre. House Long Term Staff take responsibility for all staff working in the area.

 

Practical information

Insurance

  • Accident Insurance (provided by the Centre): Everyone is insured for accidents, both work and non-work related over the duration of the contract.
  • Private Liability Insurance (provided by the Centre): This insurance covers any damage caused by any staff on an object or person.
  • Sickness Insurance (provided by the Centre): All LTS will get private sickness insurance if necessary. The deductible (amount each LTS has to cover per calendar year themselves) is, if nothing else mentioned, CHF 300.-. This insurance covers any treatment due to sickness.
  • Social Insurance according to the Swiss Law (provided by the Centre): Every LTS must have Social Insurance according to the Swiss regulations. This includes invalidity insurance, maternity leave and old-age and survivors' insurance (OASI). More information will be given during training.

Benefits

  • A room in one of the shared flats or in the KISC owned buildings in Kandersteg
  • All meals at the Centre, both while at work and on days off
  • 2 days off per week and 20 days of holidays
  • Pocket money starting from 450 CHF per month       
  • A Swiss Pass (discount card for transportation in Switzerland)
  • Management and leadership training
  • Administration of work permits
  • Other benefits as detailed here on our website

Important information

Visa

  • Citizens of EU/EFTA countries do not need a visa, and the Centre secures the necessary work permit.
  • Citizens of the United Kingdom require a visa to work in Switzerland.
  • For citizens of non EU/EFTA countries (including the United Kingdom), there is a lower chance of a successful visa application in 2022. Positions starting in 2023 have higher chances of successful visa. 
  • The employment is dependent on securing the necessary special permission from the Swiss authorities.

Testimonials

House Assistant

Justin

Germany
House Assistant
Being House Assistant has been one of the most rewarding times of my life. You learn new skills every day, you lead a wonderful team of volunteers through diverse and always-changing tasks, and you will get better in so many different ways every day. Keeping guests and staff happy through cleaning the dream while working a lot with the Short-Term Staff was one of the best things I have done in my life. If you want to meet new friends for life and keep making the guests happy, this is the position to apply to!