Further Particulars
This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the information you will need to provide with the application.
1. Role details
Vacancy reference: 9317Job title: Student Services Manager (Support and Guidance)
Reports to: Senior Manager, Learner Support Services
Salary: £30,424 - £36,298 (plus London Allowance £3,691)
Terms and conditions: Academic Related
Grade: 7
Duration of post: Fixed Term contract until July 2014
Working hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
Location: The London Regional Centre, Camden Town
Closing date: 22nd August, 2013 (midday)
Type of application form accepted: Full
Number of referees required: Three
Unit recruitment contact: Zara Gorman ext 61372
2. Summary of duties
There is a generic job description (attached as Appendix A), common to all Student Service Managers (Support and Guidance), that reflects the general role that all such staff are expected to fulfil.
Student Service Managers (Support and Guidance) are educational guidance professionals involved in the provision, evaluation and development of guidance services. Their role forms the top tier of our advice and guidance service, taking referrals from front line staff.
Their role also encompasses:
· Significant contribution to the development of the University’s Learner Support Service with a focus on IAG to promote retention, progression and satisfaction
· Direct delivery of IAG through a variety of media
· Development of IAG resources and communications
· Leadership of areas of responsibility in relation to particular student groups
· Contribution to the design and delivery of staff development for Staff across the Learner Service
· A shared responsibility for the improvement and quality of services by applying matrix principles and contributing to the development of Quality Standards
Other duties
From time to time, Student Services Managers (Support and Guidance) may be required to travel to Milton Keynes or elsewhere, for UK based Open University meetings.
3. Person specification
Criterion
/Requirement
/Essential/ Desirable
/Measured byA ApplicationB Test/ExerciseC Interview
Education, qualifications and training/ A degree and/or appropriate professional qualification, or equivalent skills and experience
NVQ 4 in Guidance /
E
D /A
AKnowledge, work and other relevant work experience
/ A minimum of two years’ experience of providing IAG to a range of diverse groups of students (including those with a disability) in adult, further or higher education.An understanding of the needs of adults or distance learners within the context of part-time open learning.
Understanding of the issues affecting student retention and progression in the context of part-time open learning.
Knowledge of and commitment to equal opportunities and diversity
Awareness of the external environment and government policies as they might impact on the University / E
E
E
E
E / A
A, B, C
A, B, C
A, C
A, C
Skills and capabilities / Advice and guidance skills developed to support students’ autonomy and decision making, using techniques in negotiating, enabling, advocating and challenging.
Highly developed oral and written communication skills to convey complex information to a range of audiences.
High level interpersonal skills including liaison, networking, negotiation and team working.
Ability to work within and across location based and virtual teams.
Ability to deliver training to a wide range of staff.
Confident computer skills sufficient to use IT systems effectively and to deliver guidance in an electronic world.
Good planning and organisational skills including the ability to work autonomously and manage high volumes of work.
The ability to analyse and develop data, processes, roles and responsibilities to improve services and respond to change. / E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E / A, B, C
A, B, C
A, B, C
A, C
A, C
A, C
A, C
A, C
Personal Qualities / Motivation and commitment to the continuous improvement and development of the service.
Commitment to own personal development and a willingness to keep up to date with developments in IAG
High levels of initiative and a willingness to take ownership of issues and resolve them.
Ability to think creatively to resolve complex problems.
A flexible and positive attitude to change
Ability to keep calm and maintain a sense of perspective when dealing with challenging clients. / E
E
E
E
E
E / A, C
A, C
A, C
A, C
A, C
A, B, C
Special working conditions e.g. shift working / Willingness to work in the evening and at weekends to work at residential school for up to two weeks in any 12 months.
Ability to work in an open plan office environment where many people may be talking on the telephone at the same time.
Headsets are required to work effectively on the telephone and for computer mediated conference facilities. / E
E
E / A, C
A
A
Additional requirements / A sound understanding of and a commitment to equal opportunities and diversity. / E / A, C
4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working
5. About the unit/department
The Open University in London is responsible for the delivery of core services to students and enquirers in the 32 London boroughs and the City, and has over 20,000 students registered on all courses. Tutorials are held at a number of centres spread across London, run by approximately 800 Associate Lecturers.One of the main characteristics of the Open University student population in London is its diversity: the student profile is distinctive in terms of course choice, age structure, occupational categories and ethnic origin.
The Regional Centre is located at 1-11 Hawley Crescent, Camden Town, London NW1 8NP. This is 250 metres from Camden Town Underground station (Northern Line) and 650 metres from Camden Road (London Overground). Euston mainline station is 5-10 minutes by bus or tube. Camden is served by several bus routes convenient to the Centre.
About 90 members of staff work in the Regional Centre, including 32 members of faculty academic staff. In addition, there are around 800 Associate Lecturers who work from home.
The Open University in London is structured as follows:
· 32 members of faculty staff (Staff Tutors, Faculty Managers and Coordinators);
· A team of 14 Student Services Managers working closely with faculty staff to ensure the successful delivery of services to students, enquirers and Associate Lecturers across all activities.
· Around 32 support and other staff, including Faculty Assistants, Learner Support and Associate Lecturer Services Assistants, and Regional Services staff.
6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process
If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please contact Karen Omisore on 020 7485 6597 ext 61369If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Zara Gorman on 020 7485 6597 or email .
7. Where to send completed applications
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: 12.00 pm (midday) on 22nd August, 2013.Post it to:
Name/Job title: Zara Gorman
Department/Unit: The Open University in London
Address: 1-11 Hawley Crescent
London
Post Code: NW1 8NP
Or e-mail your application to:
8. Selection process and date of interview
It is in your interest to show how your experience and personal qualities address each aspect of the person specification and role requirements. To do this:· please ensure you complete all sections of the application form in full. You are welcome to enclose a curriculum vitae, but CVs will not be accepted on their own. Information collected through the Equal Opportunities questionnaire enables the University to monitor fairness in the recruitment process;
· you must include a covering letter of no more than 1000 words. This should clearly identify how you meet the person specification. Please ensure you provide relevant examples as evidence to support your statements.
The interviews will take place week commencing 9th September, 2013 at The London Regional Centre.
The interview panel will be chaired by Karen Omisore, Senior Manager, Learner Support Services.
The selection process for this post will include an exercise, to be undertaken on the same
day as the interviews.
We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to shortlisted candidates.
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
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