Student Adviser

A Student Adviser provides students with confidential and impartial advice, in either a one-to-one or group basis; covering a wide range of advice areas; including academic, housing, financial or welfare matters

Demonstrating an understanding of university procedures and regulations, whilst communicating effectively with a variety of people and a range of queries; the successful applicant will have excellent written, presentation and interpersonal skills whilstmaintaining confidentiality, impartiality, and professionalism at all times.

Problem-solving skills, digital capability and an eye for detail and presentation are essential. Practical experience of advice work either in higher education or a student led, democratic environment would be desirable.

Main duties and responsibilities:
1. Undertake detailed casework, including one-to-one or group consultations, advocacy, and mediation for students.

2. Provide the highest standard of service to students accessing the Advice & Support Centre and Students’ Union; identifying any changes in the needs of students and suggesting adaptions to service delivery whenever appropriate.

3. To work flexibly and efficiently, always adhering to strict professional service standards to meet the needs of students, legislation, and internal/national standards.

4. Maintain accurate records of consultations and casework in accordance with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), the Students’ Union Data Protection Policy and internal service standards.

5. Liaise with the University and other agencies involved in advisory work to develop and maintain a holistic and inclusive approach to supporting student welfare.

6. Handle referrals of complex welfare cases and ensure effective referral pathways with internal and external support agencies to enable continuation of support.

7. Promote Advice and Support Centre services through attending Students’ Union and University events, and delivering tailored talks or presentations to students, University staff or other stakeholders.

8. Deliver training sessions and create advice resources for students, as and when required.

9. Assist in developing policy and procedures relating to student advice and welfare, as requested by the Advice and Support Centre Manager, to ensure that robust and relevant mechanisms are in place.

10. To keep abreast of relevant national and local developments, changes in legislation, and good practice, attending conferences, training events and meetings as necessary.

11. Assist with the coordination of Students’ Union events as needed; particularly supporting the Students’ Unions’ activities and events during start of term.

12. To develop and maintain relationships with colleagues from other Students’ Unions and relevant organisations, including site visits to other Students’ Unions and organisations as necessary.

General:
1. Being friendly and respectful of others to maintain a safe and considerate workplace, reflecting our values of being Helpful, Empowering, Representative, Transparent and Student-focused.

2. To set high standards of integrity, punctuality, accuracy, politeness, and professionalism by personal example.

3. To have a flexible approach to work and to undertake any other reasonable duties which may be required, always promoting a positive image of Hertfordshire Students’ Union.

4. To abide by Hertfordshire Students’ Union Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Union Policies and Procedures, always respecting the democratic structure of the Students’ Union.

5. To be aware of the department’s impact on the environment and to work within the environmental policies of the Union and the University (where applicable).

This document outlines the general duties required for the time being. This is neither a comprehensive or exhaustive list and the duties may be varied from time to time and may be changed and be added to or deducted from. Any changes will not alter the generalcharacter of the job and/or level of seniority or responsibility, unless following on from discussion and agreement.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

Educated to degree level or have equivalent work experience

Highly literate and numerate with excellent verbal and written communication skills

Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills

Experience of working within a welfare, support, or advice environment

A motivated and enthusiastic approach towards working as part of a team with shared outcomes

Excellent administrative skills and the ability to adhere to defined policies and procedures

Ability to suggest and implement improvements to service delivery

Ability to work flexibly and efficiently whilst prioritising and managing own workload

Ability to relate to students, assess their needs and advise accordingly

Ability to work under pressure and manage a demanding case load

Able to work evenings and weekends (as required)

Commitment to Equal Opportunities and understanding of its relevance to Students’ Unions

Ability to work with a wide range of people from different backgrounds and cultures

Understanding of working in a democratic environment

IT literate with the confidence to tackle new systems and software.

DESIRABLE

Relevant qualification in advice, support and welfare

Experience of working within a student led, democratic environment

Professional or voluntary experience of advising students

Knowledge of support services available to students

Working knowledge of university procedures and regulations

Experience of using a case management system

A particular interest in academic casework and academic policy