Job title:Student Adviser

Reports to:Student Advice Service Manager

Department: Student Services

Location: Eastbourne

Grade:5

Purpose of the role

To offer information, advice and guidance to students which covers a broad range of financial matters including eligibility to statutory student support for undergraduates and postgraduates, DWP Benefits and debt management. The role also involves preparing and delivering presentations and money management sessions to groups of students and disseminating information to colleagues within and beyond the university. The post holder will undertake casework and support students with practical advice and support which can include basic immigration advice.

Main areas of responsibility:

  • To inform students about the full range of financial support available to them. This comprises statutory student support, NHS funding, eligibility to welfare benefits, university financial incentives and hardship funds;
  • To proactively work with underrepresented groups in particular students’ parents, disabled students, care leavers, estranged students, carers and mature students to ensure they are accessing the full support available to them and responding to their needs;
  • To collaborate with colleagues within the Student Advice team and wider university community to contribute to university events such as Welcome Week, Open Days as well as national events including National Student Money Week;
  • To investigate and establish the need for casework by undertaking initial assessment of student’s personal situation and making a judgement based on experience and appropriate good practice of how to proceed. Casework undertaken will comply and adhere to national legislation and records must comply with the university’s data protection requirements;
  • To support the Student Advice Manager by gathering information across the sector to establish best practice and benchmarks. This includes seeking input and feedback from students in order to deliver a sustainable and effective service;
  • Tomake and follow up referrals within the Student Services, SSGTs, Students’ Union and other university departments, as well external organisations concerning individual student cases and general support;
  • To maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, practices and regulations pertinent to the post and to establish and maintain links with local and national organisations necessary for the continued development of the post;
  • To assist with the development, production and distribution of a range of publicity and online services, taking responsibility for the up-to-date site based information and initiate new ways of disseminating information;
  • To provide information, advice and support to non-UK students in relation to immigration, personal support, assisting with the Orientation Programme etc;
  • To represent the SAS at any necessary meetings, training and talks and contributing to national policy consultations when appropriate.

General responsibilities

  • To undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and character of work as may be reasonably required, including specific duties of a similar or lesser grade.
  • To adhere to the University’s Equality and Diversity Policy in all activities, and to actively promote equality of opportunity wherever possible
  • To be responsible for your own health and safety and that of your colleagues, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
  • To work in accordance with the Data Protection Act

The person specification focuses on the knowledge, qualifications, experience and skills (both general and technical) required to undertake the role effectively. Please ensure that your application demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria. You will be assessed by your completed application form (A), at interview (I) and in some instances through an exercise (E).

Essential criteria / A, I, E
Knowledge /
  • Sound working knowledge of the procedures of appropriate statutory and voluntary agencies and when to refer;
  • Understanding of DWP rules relating to students;
  • Understanding of the full student support package available to students;
  • Ability to seek and interpret relevant regulations and formally challenge incorrect decisions where appropriate.
/ A, I, E
Qualifications /
  • Graduate or equivalent.
/ A
Experience /
  • Experience of advice work in either education or a related field and/or related experience in higher or further education;
  • Manages own caseload;
  • Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills, experience of acting as an advocate;
  • Presentations to different groups of individuals;
  • Contributes to university-based and wider, national research.
/ A, I
Technical/work based skills /
  • Ability to use standard computer programmes (Outlook, Word, Excel) including Power Point;
  • Ability to successfully use web browsers to research information.
/ I, E
Other requirements /
  • Works independently with a minimum of supervision;
  • Use initiative to resolve problems;
  • Willingness to undertake training required for the role and attend regular team meetings;
  • Occasional evening and weekend work may be required;
  • Contributes to creative outreach ideas and activities;
  • Listens and understands the needs of others and demonstrates empathy.
/ A, I
Desirable /
  • NASMA member;
  • Experience of using customer records database.
/ A, I
  • Any appointment is generally made at the bottom of the salary range for the grade dependent upon experience and previous salary.
  • This is a part-time post of 20 hours per week, 49 weeks per year and is offered on a permanent basis.
  • There is also an additional 7 hours per week which is being offered on a fixed term basis until 30th June 2018 to provide advice at Hastings campus.
  • Annual leave entitlements are shown in the table below and increase after 5 years’ service. In addition, to the eight Bank Holidays, there are university discretionary days between Christmas and New Year. All leave, including bank holidays and discretionary days, is pro-rated for part time employees.

Grades / Basic entitlement per year / Grades / After 5 years’ service
1-3 / 23 days / 1-3 / 28 days
4-7 / 25 days / 4-7 / 30 days
8-9 / 27 days / 8-9 / 30 days
Band 10 and above / 30 days / Band 10 and above / 30 days
  • More information about the department can be found here
  • The University has an attractive range of benefits and you can find more information about them on our website.