At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with housing issues and provide advice on rights and responsibilities.
- Company: Bristol SU is a vibrant community supporting over 26,000 students with diverse services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, generous holiday, and professional training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in advice and advocacy, strong communication, and organisational skills are essential.
- Other info: Join a recognised inclusive culture that values diversity and supports personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 16455 - 21137 ÂŁ per year.
We’re looking for someone with the passion and skill to support students at the University of Bristol as part of the Students’ Union Housing Advice Service. We hope that it might be you.
It’s a new service, established in January 2025, and you will be part of its continuing development.
We provide information, advice and support to students who are experiencing a variety of housing-related issues; usually when things aren’t quite going to plan. Our advice covers areas including finding accommodation, understanding tenants’ and landlords’ rights and responsibilities, managing affordability and debt, tenant conflicts, disrepair, poor housing conditions and other breaches of tenancy and licence agreements.
We support students to understand and navigate various processes, for example formal complaints, and develop new skills, often in partnership with others at the Students’ Union, The University of Bristol and beyond. We frequently signpost students to other services that can support their wellbeing and academic success too.
You don’t have to have worked in higher education or in a students’ union before, but we are looking for someone who is experienced in advice and advocacy work, ideally housing related. You’ll be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and someone who enjoys connecting with other people. You have excellent communication and organisational skills. You can interpret and explain complex information in a clear and simple way and are able to produce written reports and presentations to a high standard. You’re able to hold and manage your own caseload effectively, keeping accurate records on our case management system, and able to effect change and achieve positive outcomes for the students who access our service.
We’re building quality into everything that we do, and we want you to be a part of this. We listen and respond to what students tell us, we’re open to learning about lots of things, including housing law, and we reflect on the work that we do, to improve our service at every opportunity.
Our service is founded on some fundamental values, including showing kindness, empathy, respect, integrity and accountability in all that we do; it’s important that you share those.
What’s the job?
Role: Student Housing Advisor
Hours: 21 hours per week – part-time role (0.6 FTE)
Salary: Salary: ÂŁ16,455 to ÂŁ21,137 (pro-rata). The starting salary for this role is ÂŁ27,424 FTE. The grade range for this Coordinator grade role is ÂŁ27,424 to ÂŁ35,228 FTE and pay can progress annually through the band in line with our pay and reward policy.
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: Monday 19thth August 2025 at 09:00
Who are we?
Part business, part charity, part membership body – Bristol SU is a seriously fun place to work. Our professional staff do something extraordinary every day: we support student leaders to give people a voice in their education, help people get the most out of their student experience and help people make the change they want in the world. We have over 26,000 members, 400 clubs and societies, a diverse range of professional services, and an innovative strategy that will help to create an inclusive and supportive University community.
What will you bring?
- You’ll have experience in advice and advocacy, ideally within a housing setting.
- You’ll be able to confidently and effectively work under pressure, demonstrating excellent organizational skills.
- You know how to build relationships with others, showing kindness and empathy; particularly when people are in distress and dealing with a housing crisis.
- You’re a skilled communicator and understand how to work as part of a team.
- You’ll want to learn and have the enthusiasm and motivation to contribute to the development and provision of a service that supports students’ success.
Why apply?
Because you’re excited to make a difference!
We offer lots of great benefits including enhanced pay for parents taking maternity, adoption or shared parental leave, a competitive salary for the non-profit sector, a generous pension scheme and at least 40 days’ holiday. We’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy work-life balance through flexible working and are open to considering requests for part-time working. We provide professional training so that whatever your chosen field of work, with the right mix of challenge and support, you’ll gain fantastic experience, and room to develop and advance your career.
We are proud to have been recognised through numerous accreditations and awards that demonstrate our commitment to creating a positive and supportive culture. We have appeared in the Inclusive Companies top 100 list and have won a number of awards for our commitment to diversity, including best Students\’ Union. We also won a Third Sector Excellence Award at the 2018 Investors in People Awards. No wonder 87% of our employees would recommend Bristol SU as a great place to work!
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are central to life at Bristol SU. We approach our work with positivity and celebrate our diverse and unique communities. Our people are proud of our values and care about creating diverse and supportive communities that are inclusive of age, disability, gender, identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and experience.
Bristol SU strives to have an inclusive culture and an environment for all, underpinned by respect and compassion, where everyone feels welcomed, included, supported, valued and safe. Bristol SU recognises that candidates from some backgrounds/ identities may face additional barriers throughout their careers and when applying for new roles across the sector. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team by offering two guaranteed interview schemes – a scheme for people of colour and a scheme for disabled people.
Be yourself, be proud of the work you do and build a career in a place that knows different is good.
Key dates
- Closing Date: 19th August 2025 at 09:00
- Shortlisting: 19th August to 29th August 2025
- Interviews: week commencing 8th September 2025
For general enquiries, please contact us at .
Student Housing Advisor, Bristol employer: Bristol Student Union
Contact Detail:
Bristol Student Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Housing Advisor, Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific housing issues that students face, particularly at the University of Bristol. Understanding common challenges like tenant rights, affordability, and disrepair will help you engage more effectively during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Student Housing Advisors or similar roles within student unions. They can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your passion for supporting students by volunteering or participating in community initiatives related to housing or student welfare. This hands-on experience can set you apart and show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you embody the values of kindness, empathy, and integrity during your interview. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these qualities, especially in challenging situations.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Housing Advisor, Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Student Housing Advisor position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what Bristol SU is looking for.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience in advice and advocacy work, particularly in housing. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to handle housing-related issues and support students effectively.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, provide examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information clearly in past roles. Mention any experience in producing written reports or presentations.
Reflect on Values: Bristol SU values kindness, empathy, respect, integrity, and accountability. Make sure to reflect these values in your application by sharing personal anecdotes that illustrate how you embody these principles in your work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bristol Student Union
✨Show Your Passion for Student Support
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping students navigate their housing issues. Share any relevant experiences where you've supported individuals in distress, highlighting your empathy and understanding.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Prepare to showcase your ability to explain complex information clearly. You might be asked to provide examples of how you've communicated effectively in previous roles, especially in advocacy or advice settings.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Abilities
Since the role involves managing a caseload, be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks and keep accurate records. Mention any tools or systems you've used to stay organised in fast-paced environments.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the core values of Bristol SU, such as kindness, integrity, and accountability. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work and interactions with others.