At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide free, confidential advice to students on various issues and support their university journey.
- Company: Join the Union of Students, a vibrant community dedicated to student welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28916 - 35342 £ per year.
The role of Union Advisor provides free, independent and confidential advice to students across a range of issues, helping them to understand their options, make informed decisions and navigate challenges during their time at university. The role involves supporting students through a variety of casework areas, including academic appeals, complaints, disciplinary matters, housing issues and financial concerns, while promoting the Advice Service and its awareness campaigns across the University. Alongside casework, you will contribute to projects and initiatives that support the Union's strategy, helping to improve the student experience and address issues affecting students across the University.
We are looking for someone with excellent communication skills, a commitment to supporting others, and the ability to approach complex situations with empathy and professionalism. You will play an important role in ensuring students feel heard, empowered and supported throughout their university journey. If you are passionate about making a difference to the student experience and enjoy helping people overcome challenges, we would love to hear from you.
Main Purpose of Role: To provide free, impartial, and confidential help and advice to members of the Union whilst promoting the Union Advice service and its awareness campaigns across the University.
DUTIES
- To carry out solution focused casework in a professional and impartial manner via various methods of communication including, face to face, telephone, email and Microsoft Teams.
- To provide comprehensive specialist advice, information, support and guidance to current students and graduates on issues including but not limited to academic matters, welfare, debt and housing, navigating policies and procedures to ensure best outcomes.
- To provide union representational support and advocacy to members at university level meetings and hearings relating to academic offences, complaints, disciplinary meetings, meetings with tutors or other University staff, negotiating on behalf of the student.
- To liaise with university staff, offering advice and guidance in relation to policy and procedure.
- To make professional referrals to both internal and external services in the city, county and further afield.
- To empower students to understand and exercise their rights when experiencing a problem at the University.
- To act for the student where appropriate, drafting letters, completing application forms and liaising with relevant internal departments and external organisations on their behalf.
- To maintain and share knowledge of national best practice, legislation and initiatives in higher education that are relevant to University of Derby students.
- To support strategy and operations to improve the efficiencies and effectiveness of the Union Advice service which proactively supports, sustains and embeds the welfare provision.
- To support the awareness of the Union Advice service and its provisions to the membership which supports and improves the student experience.
- To lead on the preparation, implementation and completion of awareness campaigns and events, circulating posters/cards/information across the University sites and campuses.
- To provide training for staff working at the Union relating to the Union Advice service as required.
- To take part in the preparations of and delivery of training for Union committees and student groups.
- To respond and react to student issues relating to safeguarding ensuring that relevant departments are notified and relevant procedures are followed, offering emotional support to those students in crisis.
Research & Administration:
- To participate in the use of Advice Pro to ensure that casework is progressing, and accurate data and statistics can be produced for purposes of reporting and meeting legislation in relation to data protection and confidentiality.
- To maintain accurate and timely case records in line with the Union Advice service’s case management procedures, confidentiality requirements and data protection legislation.
- To record, monitor and report client statistics in a professional and procedural manner.
- To ensure that policy, procedures, and standards are supported across the Union Advice service which meets external legislative and internal requirements.
- To regularly check emails, voicemails, and other methods of student communication within the Union Advice service, responding and prioritising urgent requests.
- Prepare and regularly monitor the use of the Union Advice service resources, replenishing resources as required e.g. leaflets, condoms, posters etc.
- To be aware of any changes to university policies and regulations and make recommendations to officers and staff through the Student Advice and SVLO Manager.
- To support any research required within the Union Advice service including the utilisation of client need analysis and casework records.
Working Relationships:
- To prepare for and attend weekly team meetings with the Advice and SVLO Manager.
- To maintain links with university staff and external partners, attending stakeholder meetings where necessary.
- To support the Advice and SVLO Manager with the creation and delivery of the Advice annual plan.
- Utilising external agencies to enhance the information and guidance offered to students.
- To lead on actively recruiting relevant external partnerships and supporting existing external partnership relationships.
- To support with the delivery of the Union strategic plan.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The principle role and responsibilities will change from time to time and the post holder is required to undertake any additional duties as deemed appropriate.
GENERAL
- All Union employees are expected to work within the ethos of the Union and strive to achieve the following:
- To work at all times within relevant legislation as well as structures, policies and procedures.
- To work co-operatively with other Union staff and officers, as well as relevant external organisations.
- To maintain the highest standards of professionalism, customer service and safety in all aspects of the role.
- To seek to continually develop and improve Union facilities and services.
- To keep up to date with sector developments, local competition and students’ views/needs, where necessary.
- Undertaking market research to generate such information.
- To undertake necessary training and to attend all meetings as requested.
- To promote a positive and professional image of the Union of Students to its members, customers, stakeholders and other external people.
- To positively contribute to the organisations ethical & environmental ethos.
- To perform any other additional reasonable duties as deemed appropriate.
General Notes: Staff are required to have a monthly Performance Development Review and to participate in training, meetings or conferences considered relevant to their job. Staff must carry out their duties with full regard to the rules, policies and procedures and conditions of service contained in the staff information guide. The condition of the employment is that all staff are expected to assist in key events throughout the year e.g., Fresher’s, Elections, and any other key events if necessary. Staff are expected to portray a positive image both internally and externally of the Union by displaying standards of service, integrity, punctuality, politeness, and professionalism. Environmental consideration and environmental best practice are the responsibility of all Union staff. This list is not exhaustive and is a general indication - the role holder will be expected to complete any reasonable task requested of them.
Union Advisor employer: Derby Union of Students
The Union of Students is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. Located in Derby, the role of Union Advisor offers not only a competitive salary but also the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives through advocacy and support. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values diversity and collaboration, this position is perfect for those passionate about enhancing the student experience while growing professionally within a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Union Advisor
✨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 Derby Union of Students.
✨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 Derby Union of Students!
✨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 Derby Union of Students, 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 Derby Union of Students 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 Union Advisor
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 Derby Union of Students:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Derby Union of Students! 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 Derby Union of Students
✨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.
