JOB DESCRIPTION
We are currently seeking a dedicated and experienced individual to join our Boarding Department as an Assistant Dorm Parent. The successful candidate will be a caring, reliable, and highly motivated professional who is passionate about supporting the well-being and personal growth of boarding students.
Located in southern Vancouver Island, our 29-acre boarding school campus is surrounded by fresh air and natural beauty. St. John’s Academy Shawnigan Lake, situated on a pristine location between the shores of Shawnigan Lake and the base of Mt. Baldy, provides an innovative approach to learning for both day and boarding students.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Title: Assistant Dorm Parent
Reports to: Lead Dorm Parent; Residential Life Coordinator
Remuneration: $55,000.00 annual salary; meals provided when on shift; room & board on Campus as a taxable benefit; extended medical and dental package; optional RRSP contribution matching.
Summary: An Assistant Dorm Parent is a role model and a leader within the scope of the non-academic care, responsible for the health and well-being of boarding students. Assistant Dorm Parents mentor and supervise students, primarily at the end of the academic day and on weekends, participating in programs and activities for the Boarding Program, and ensuring that the dorms are a safe, stable and happy environment for the entire community.
This role requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to build positive relationships with students while maintaining appropriate boundaries and expectations. The ideal candidate will be a strong team player with a positive attitude, a proactive approach to student care, and a commitment to promoting a vibrant and welcoming boarding community.
Responsibilities:
Daily Student Supervision
- Support students in their routines: wake-up, meals, homework, curfews, lights-out.
- Build positive relationships and model respectful community behavior.
Dorm Culture & Safety
- Reinforce boarding policies and routines to promote structure and inclusivity.
- Conduct regular dorm checks and promptly report safety or behavioral concerns.
Student Well-Being
- Monitor students’ academic habits, social-emotional health, and general adjustment.
- Consistent active engagement with students while on shift.
- Refer concerns to the Lead Boarding Parent.
Activity Support
- Participate in boarding activities, outings, and weekend programs as assigned.
- Assist with logistics and student preparation for events.
Emergency Preparedness
- Be trained in and ready to implement emergency procedures.
- Support response efforts during drills or real incidents under direction of the Lead.
Communication
- Provide updates to Lead Boarding Parents and contribute to dorm reports and team meetings.
- Maintain open communication with students, offering guidance and support.
Education, experience and skills:
- Experience working in a boarding program preferred
- Experience in youth leadership preferred
- Knowledge of the social and emotional health issues for adolescents
- Evaluation strategies for situational needs
- Knowledge of, and experience with, international cultures and Indigenous worldviews
- English language skills
- Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
- Ability to establish priorities, organize, schedule and solve problems and tasks
- Ability to deal with people, and in particular, adolescents, sensitively, empathetically, tactfully, consistently and professionally at all times
- Ability to be flexible and adaptable
- Proven work ethic with enthusiasm, eagerness and genuine interest in all aspects of the school’s success
- First Aid is an asset
- A Class 5 Driver's license required
- All new employees must provide a clean drivers abstract
- All new employees are to clear a Criminal Record Review
Applicants will need to provide:
- One page maximum cover letter
- CV / resume
- Two (2) references
- Submit application package to , or drop off in person, attention to Human Resources.
Application deadline: July 31,2026. *We reserve the right to close early if we find the right candidate.
Expected start date: August 25, 2026
Job Type: Full-time, Contract
At St. John's Academy Shawnigan Lake, we're passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Creating an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work is something we take pride in.
Pay: $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
Work Location: In person
