Academic and Welfare Adviser

Salary Range - £21,000-£23,000

Key Role Requirements:

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

Main duties and responsibilities

To undertake detailed casework, including negotiation, advocacy and representation for clients in accordance with national and Advice and Support Centre standards.

To take referrals on complex welfare issues and liaise with and refer clients onto other support services where necessary to ensure that clients receive the most appropriate support and advice.

To adhere to strict professional service standards at all times, particularly with regards to confidentiality and impartiality, to meet the needs of clients, legislation and appropriate national standards.

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 agreed service standards.

 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 advice and casework.

To liaise with the University and other agencies involved in advisory work and student welfare to develop a holistic and inclusive approach to student welfare.

General:

• To work closely with the Advice and Support Centre Manager in raising awareness of the Advice and Support Centre 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 Union staff, identify and respond to customers’ needs.
• To assist in developing policy and procedure relating to student advice and welfare as requested by the Advice and Support Centre Manager 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.
• To have a flexible approach to work and to undertake any other reasonable duties which may be required.
• To aspire to the highest standards of customer care at all times and, in conjunction with other relevant Union staff, to identify and respond to customer needs.
• To respect the democratic structure of the Students’ Union at all times.
• To abide by Hertfordshire Students’ Union Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Union Policies and Procedures at all time.
• To work flexibly and efficiently and to promote a positive image of Hertfordshire Students’ Union at all times.
• To set high standards of integrity, punctuality, accuracy, politeness and professionalism by personal example.        
• 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).
• To occasionally be flexible with regards to hours or days of working to ensure cover for events or staff leave.

Supervision Received:

The post holder reports to the Advice and Support Centre Manager as well as working closely with other staff, Students’ Union Managers and Elected Officers.

Contacts:

The post holder will come into contact with students and other customers, Students’ Union Managers, staff and elected officers, University staff and Union suppliers.

This document outlines the general duties required for the time being for the post of Student Adviser. 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 general character of the job and/or level of seniority or responsibility, unless following on from discussion and agreement.

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