At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-quality advice and manage complex casework for students at BCUSU.
- Company: BCUSU, an independent support service dedicated to student welfare.
- Benefits: Generous holidays, health care cash plan, and staff socials.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and professional growth.
- Why this job: Step into a supervisory role and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: 2+ years of advice experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Senior Student Adviser to deliver high quality, independent advice and manage complex casework at BCUSU.
BCUSU's Advice Team provide essential support to all students at BCU, on issues related to academics and housing.
We're completely independent from the University, and provide confidential support for students' issues.
This is a great opportunity for an Adviser looking to step into a supervisory role, with additional responsibilities.
You'll provide day-to-day professional oversight and guidance to our team of advisers and ensure a high quality of advice delivery.
Key responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality, independent advice and manage complex casework that provides measurable benefit to students.
- Responsible for day-to-day operational practice, whilst supporting quality assurance, and service capability in line with BCUSU values.
- Support advice insight generation, service development, and influence at thematic level
- Who we're looking for
The successful candidate will have
- Minimum 2 years’ experience of delivering advice and casework in a relevant setting
- Experience of managing complex and sensitive cases
- Understanding of quality standards within advice provision (e. g. Advice UK)
- Experience of supporting or guiding others in a professional context
- Advanced communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to manage complex, high-risk and emotionally demanding cases
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to ensure consistency and quality of practice
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail, including audit-ready recording-keeping
- Ability to identify patterns and translate insight into practical action
- Ability to work influence outcomes at department or school/college (or equivalent) level
- Excellent standard of IT literacy, including Excel, Word, Outlook and Advice Management System (e. g. Advice Pro)
- Resilience and ability to manage competing demands
- Hours
Full time, 35 hours per week.
- Sunday 23rd August, 11pm
- Interview date
Why work for BCUSU?
Staff members have a number of benefits
- Generous Holidays (32 days plus 8 Bank Holidays paid annual leave pro-rata)
- Optional Contributory Pension Scheme (eligible for joining after completion of probation period)
- Additional day holiday for Wedding day and Graduation day
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, Adoption pay and leave
- Health Care Cash Plan - money back on everyday health care such as dental, optical and physio costs, and additional benefits like remote GP appointments, mental health support, exclusive discounts on high street purchases and more.
- Volunteering – take one day volunteering and BCUSU will match it with another day for you to volunteer
- Paid Compassionate Leave
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Access to student discount platforms
- BCU Library membership
- Staff socials – subsidised events usually Summer and/or Christmas
- Other info
- BCUSU is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the application or interview process please get in touch to discuss your needs, by emailing studentunionjobs@bcu. ac. uk
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Senior Student Adviser in Birmingham employer: BCUSU
BCUSU is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. With a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, employees benefit from comprehensive training opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance. Located in a vibrant community, BCUSU offers a meaningful role where you can make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Student Adviser in Birmingham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at BCUSU.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from BCUSU!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like BCUSU, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at BCUSU or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Student Adviser in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to BCUSU:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to BCUSU! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BCUSU
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
