Job Profile Student Support - Student Association
Contract Type Permanent

Job Purpose

To provide students/ service users with independent, relevant and specialist advice, representation and case work support on a variety of academic and welfare matters.

Job Background

Below are some of the duties required for the post entitled Independent Education and Welfare Advisor and indicate the level of responsibility. It is not a comprehensive or exhaustive list and the Student's Association may vary duties which do not change the general character of the role or level of responsibility.

General Duties

• To assist the Head of Students’ Association in raising awareness of the Independent Education and Welfare Service through attending Induction events, delivering tailored talks and presentations to students and other stakeholders.
• To achieve the highest standards of customer care at all times and, in conjunction with other relevant Association staff, identify and respond to students’ needs.
• To assist in developing policy and procedure relating to academic advice and welfare as requested by the Head of Students’ Association to ensure robust and relevant mechanisms are in place.
• To keep abreast of relevant national and local developments, changes in legislation, and good practice and attend conferences, training events and meetings as necessary.
• Maintain and develop academic and advice factsheets and other printed and online materials to enable students to access advice through a range of channels.
• To have a flexible approach to work and to undertake any other duties which may be required.
• To respect the Independent status of the Students’ Association Education and Welfare Advice Service at all times.
• To abide by BPP University Independent Students’ Association Memorandum of Understanding, and Association and University Policies and Procedures at all times.
• To work efficiently and to promote a positive image of BPP University Independent Students’ Association at all times. Details of the Students’ Association are available on www.bppstudents.com

When appropriate - Occasional national travel may be required.

Key Responsibilities:

1. To undertake detailed casework, including negotiation, advocacy and representation for students in accordance with national (e.g. Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) and Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)) and advice service standards.
2. To take referrals on complex academic issues and liaise with and refer students on to other support services where necessary to ensure that they receive the most appropriate support and advice.
3. To adhere to strict professional service standards at all times, particularly with regards to confidentiality and impartiality, to meet the needs of students, legislation, the OIA and any Quality Standard Mark the service may acquire.
4. To maintain up to date and accurate records and statistics of interviews and casework in accordance with the Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act and National Charter Marks and service standards.
5. To attend relevant training and regional and national meetings to maintain an up to date knowledge of legislation, policies and practice to ensure accuracy of academic advice and casework.
6. To liaise with BPP University and other agencies involved in advisory work and student welfare to develop a holistic and inclusive approach to student academic and welfare support.

Department University Education Services - Students Association
Vacancy location UK, London, London Waterloo

Candidate Criteria

Essential

• Ideally educated to A level, however applications from candidates with appropriate and
• relevant work experience or other equivalent qualifications will also be considered.
• Relevant qualification or relevant experience in advice work.
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Experience of working within a welfare, support or advice environment
• Confident in dealing with difficult or sensitive situations professionally
• Experience of working on their own as well as part of a team Good administrative skills and the
• ability to adhere to defined policies and procedures
• Ability to suggest and implement improvements
• Proficient IT Skills
• A flexible approach to workload planning
• A friendly approach
• Ability to prioritise and manage case load and own work
• Ability to relate to students
• Ability to work under pressure
• Highly motivated
• Commitment to Equal Opportunities and understanding of its relevance to the Students'
• Association
• Ability to work with a wide range of people from different backgrounds and cultures
• Understanding of working in a student environment

Desirable

• Knowledge of support services available to students
• Experience of dealing with the OIA
• Experience of casework management
• Experience of working within a student environment
• Mental Health First Aid Training

Employment Details

Contract Hours 37.50
FTE 1.00
Salary 27,500