At a Glance
- Tasks: Help students navigate financial support and provide guidance on funding options.
- Company: Barnsley College, dedicated to transforming lives through education.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, professional development funding, and health perks.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career advancement and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by helping them overcome financial barriers.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification and experience in supporting learners financially.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As our Student Finance Advisor, you will play a vital role in helping students overcome financial barriers to education by providing high-quality information, advice and guidance on the financial support available at Barnsley College. You will work as part of the Student Funding team, supporting prospective and current students to access a range of funding schemes, including the Learner Support Fund, bursaries, childcare support and other financial assistance programmes.
You will assess applications, determine eligibility for support and make funding recommendations in line with College procedures and funding regulations. You will work closely with students, parents/carers, curriculum staff and external agencies, providing practical advice on financial wellbeing, budgeting and money management to help students make informed decisions and develop greater financial confidence.
The role also involves monitoring and recording funding activity, maintaining accurate records and contributing to audits, financial returns and reporting processes. Using data to understand the impact of financial support on student retention, achievement and success, you will help ensure the College continually improves its financial support offer and delivers an excellent student experience.
Building strong relationships will be an important part of your day‑to‑day work. You will work collaboratively with Student Services teams, curriculum departments, external agencies and other key stakeholders to identify students who may be at risk of withdrawal due to financial difficulties and ensure appropriate support is put in place. You will also contribute to student inductions, awareness campaigns, funding events and financial literacy activities across the College.
Essential Skills, Experience & Qualifications
- Level 3 or equivalent in a relevant qualification
- GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 qualification)
- Willingness to participate in and undertake training as necessary
- Two years of successful experience of financially supporting learners in an FE setting
- Two years' experience developing successful working relationships with internal and external agencies
Benefits
- Substantial annual leave entitlement (up to 47 days per year including bank and public holidays)
- Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days
- Local Government Pension Scheme with a generous 19.2% employer contribution
- Funding for CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
- Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress
- Free Barnsley College courses to support professional and personal development (subject to approval)
- 24/7 access to same‑day appointments with a GP
- Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork
- Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield
- Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities
- Support for employee mental health through free counselling services and the Foundations App
- Discount schemes for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work
- Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines
- Discounted hair and beauty therapies at our onsite salon
- On‑site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options
- Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members
Our shared purpose is to transform the lives of both our learners and staff. Employees can enrol on a Barnsley College course of their choice free of charge, supporting both professional and personal development (subject to approval).
