2026 Ops Ireland Welfare Manager, Galway

Move Language Ahead is committed to providing industry leading safe, educational, and cultural programmes to students from around the world.

Students, families, and agents from around the world have chosen MLA for the quality of our language courses, for the established trust of our brand, and for the meticulous attention to detail in our packages. The MLA formula for a summer centre is a unique blend of many full-day and half-day excursions, an amazing activity programme and specialised language path. In this way we have broken the barriers of the traditional summer language course.

MLA WELFARE AND SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

MLA is committed to the welfare and safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk. All students should expect to feel safe within all areas of our seasonal programme. The primary concern at all times is the interests and safety of each student and the organisation takes all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment and to uphold their rights.

MLA staff working with young learners will all go through our safer recruitment process including online or face-to- face interviews, record checks of references and background checks, in line with the country’s regulations, to ensure they are able to work with young people, provide evidence of qualifications and work experience as part of the process and according to our Safeguarding Policy, Preventing Sexual Harassment and Prevent Policy.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Responsible for the care, safeguarding and welfare of students

• Full-time summer employment from mid-June – mid-August
• Responsible for all aspects of the ESL summer camp programming, including off-campus excursions and on-campus activities
• Represent MLA values
• Reports to Centre Director and Operations Manager
• 6 working days per week
• 1 day off per week
• Residential employment includes all meals and accommodation

(Possibility of extension in some centres (starting in June and/or finishing mid-August)

The MLA Welfare Manager is a senior position, and the successful candidate will be a member of the school’s management structure. You will be responsible for the care, safeguarding and welfare of students at MLA Summer Centre and comply with the MLA Safeguarding Policy.  You would need to liaise with others on campus to ensure that any concerns or dangers are highlighted and avoided. This position is required to reside on campus in company-provided housing and monitor the safety and well-being of international high school students attending our cultural immersion programme.

Your role is about filling with joy a diverse multicultural exchange and make a lasting impact on the lives of international students. WMs are also responsible for communicating with the Centre Director and Group Leaders, as well as the venue. Summer centres are very busy places and there may be duties to perform in addition to those detailed here.

REQUIREMENTS

Essential

• Must have right to work in Ireland
• Successful applicants will be required to complete Garda Vetting as part of onboarding, and any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory clearance under the National Vetting Bureau Acts 2012–2016.
• Proven suitability to work with students under 18: at least 2 references.
• Be proficient in the use of IT

Desirable

• Summer School experience in the UK or in Ireland.
• Prior work experience as a manager
• First Aid certification or willingness to obtain
• Previous experience in a welfare, pastoral care, safeguarding, or student support role
• Practical experience of safeguarding and child protection
• Volunteering experience
• Involvement in active groups (e.g. scouts, trekking, sports, etc)

Person Specification

• Ability to develop positive relationships with students, earning their trust whilst maintaining proper professional boundaries
• Ability to establish excellent relationships with our clients and service providers, especially the Group Leaders bringing students from abroad
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential issues with professionalism and discretion
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Calm, resilient, and confident decision-making under pressure
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and on-call duties
• Willingness to undergo enhanced safeguarding checks
• Team player
• Ability to provide safety and welfare assistance to students
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and interpersonal)
• Display absolute commitment to the highest standards of professional behaviour
• Positive outlook
• Enthusiasm and creativity
• Ability to work long hours in a high-pressure environment
• Passion for working with youth
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to multi-task
• Attention to detail
• Aptitude to effectively use Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to be pleasant, polite, and cooperative.

SCHEDULE

As a Welfare Manager, you’ll enjoy a dynamic and flexible work schedule designed to meet the exciting demands of our programme. Shifts will vary across mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends, providing you with diverse working hours.

Each staff member is contracted for up to 44 hours per week. At the end of every week, you’ll be required to confirm and sign off on your worked hours to ensure everything is accurately recorded.

KEY POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Complete all required, paid training/induction meetings prior to and during the programme
• Review itineraries and become knowledgeable with all aspects of the programme
• Complete risk assessments
• Lead the delivery of high-quality welfare and pastoral support for all junior students.
• Act as a primary point of contact for student welfare concerns, including homesickness, wellbeing issues, and behavioural matters.
• Ensure students feel safe, supported, and respected throughout their stay.
• Monitor student wellbeing and take proactive steps to address emerging issues.
• Implement and uphold MLA safeguarding and child protection policies at centre level.
• Receive, record, and respond to safeguarding concerns in line with MLA procedures.
• Support the implementation of health & safety procedures related to student welfare.
• Oversee student medical information, medication procedures, and welfare-related risk assessments.
• Respond to accidents, incidents, and emergencies involving students, ensuring appropriate follow-up and documentation.
• Liaise with the Centre Manager and Head Office Safeguarding Team regarding serious or complex cases.
• Ensure all safeguarding records are accurate, confidential, and securely maintained.
• Use the MLA software effectively

• Maintain a clean, organised and professional Centre Office
• Attend meetings with Group Leaders and MLA Managers
• Be sensitive to staff needs and feedback, and ensure they are being heard and addressed

• Promote the welfare of students and adhere to, and comply with the MLA Safeguarding Policy

Training & CPD

· Complete all required pre-employment training

· Attend the in-person induction training and take an active part in discussions

· Read and understand MLA policies sent during the recruitment process

· Read, understand and adhere to the guidelines set out in your Handbook

· Be open to feedback during appraisals and set your own developmental goals for you to work on during your time with MLA

· Request guidance on and actively seek professional development to improve your skills

· Work with the MLA Management Team in designing necessary on-site training

· Carry out inductions and training for Activity Leaders

• Carry out two staff appraisals in line with the MLA guidelines

Amministrative Duties

· Maintain accurate lists of students’ medical needs, histories, and dietary requirements

· Maintain the MLA software files with detailed housing, dining, and facilities usage

· Support the Centre Admin in the reporting of campus damages

· Oversee the maintenance requests by group leaders and students and ensure they are communicated and completed by the campus partners

· Complete all Risk Assessments

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· Maintain the Centre Noticeboard providing accurate information and announcements to Group Leaders and students

• Attend regular staff meetings to maintain good communication and positive morale

Safeguarding & Welfare

• Promoting the welfare of students and adhere to, and comply with the MLA Safeguarding Policy
• Constantly monitor student and staff safety and welfare, addressing any concerns promptly and effectively
• Assist the Centre Director and Welfare Manager with communicating to staff and guests site-specific emergency evacuation and preparedness plans
• Maintain 24-hour on-call emergency assistance for the centre
• Address any guest or staff concerns and properly document and report concerns
• Be aware of any specific safeguarding needs of minors (those under the age of 18)
• Company Quality Performance
• Work with the Centre Director to ensure that what has been sold to the guests is being provided by the centre
• Participate in a comprehensive Centre induction to all new guests within 24-hours of arrival
• Follow-up with MLA Activity Staff to verify all guest inquiries are handled promptly and effectively

Liaising

• Develop a good business relationship with the college/university
• Support the Centre Director to ensure grievance and disciplinary procedures are adhered to
• Provide support for all direct reports and subordinates when necessary
• Use company-provided communication channels for all business correspondences including company email and phone
• Develop and maintain open lines of communication with Group Leaders
• Support MLA Activity Managers at other centres when required

Off-Campus Excursions

• Make decisions while on excursions regarding the safety and welfare of our guests
• Confirm all meals scheduled off-campus included all dietary needs and requests
• Complete relative Risk Assessments for each excursion

On-Campus Activities

• Maintain a visible presence at the Centre
• Make regular visits to the dining hall during mealtimes to interact with the group leaders and students to confirm operations are running smoothly
• Work with dining services to ensure all food is properly labelled and special dietary meals are available for students to meet their specific needs
• Coordinate student birthday celebrations with the MLA staff and group leaders

Residence Hall Supervision

• Support the Night Guardian, Activity Leaders and security staff in the event any issues arise requiring that more than one person be present

COMPENSATION

Residential Welfare Manager euro 680 weekly. Holiday pay (8%) will be added to rates. Inclusive of holiday pay up to euro 734,40 weekly. (subject to PAYE, PRSI and USC deductions)

• Paid training and induction.
• Work as part of a strong team and gain experience
• Opportunities for professional development e.g. appraisals, opportunities for promotion
• Complimentary room and full board as part of the compensation package

MLA REPUTATION AND CODE OF CONDUCT

• To actively support MLA in its mission to provide quality learning
• To provide courses that will challenge the students (realise their potential) and work together to reach their academic targets and support them
• To comply with management requests to follow the guidelines of external organisations such as British Council in a timely and accurate manner
• To be dressed in a presentable professional way and always start on time and if this is not possible to inform your manager as early as possible
• Develop a good rapport with the students and Group Leaders and avoid absences as much as possible
• There is a specific list of what code of conduct we expect from all staff members in our Staff Handbook

MLA EQUALITY STATEMENT
MLA Move Language Ahead is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, marital status, being pregnant or on maternity leave, race (including ethnic or national origin, nationality and colour), disability, sexual orientation or expression, religion, beliefs, or any other non-job related criteria.