At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students from diverse backgrounds and help them thrive at university.
- Company: Heriot-Watt University, committed to inclusivity and student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Part-time role with 33 days holiday and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on student success and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and enhance their university experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in support roles and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37694 - 47389 € per year.
Grade and Salary: Grade 7 (£37,694 to £47,389)
FTE and working pattern: 0.6 FTE Part-time (open-ended).
Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)
Purpose of Role
To provide advice, guidance and support to students from Widening Participation (WP) backgrounds and students identified as at risk of leaving university or contacting the Thinking of Leaving Service. To develop and upgrade our support provision for specific groups of students including in particular: postgraduate taught and postgraduate research students, asylum seekers and refugees, students who are pregnant and armed forces veterans and reservists, and students from armed forces families. To assist in the development and delivery of personal tutor training and guidance for academic staff. To contribute to the development and delivery of Get Ready for Success and Kick-Start Your Success, and play a key role in the development and delivery of pre-entry, induction and transition, and retention support activities.
A key element of the role is providing information, advice, guidance and support to students, including students with particular vulnerabilities, in an effective and timely way, and to excellent standards. Students can present with multiple and complex issues which may require detailed casework and also immediate crisis support. Liaison and joint work with other colleagues across the University as well as referral to other appropriate sources of support will be required where appropriate. In developing support for students, and in individual casework, liaison with networks and services outside the University could be required.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- To provide advice, guidance and support to students accessing the Thinking of Leaving Service; providing information, advice and guidance to “At Risk” students i.e. those who are identified as being at risk of leaving the university early.
- To provide advice, guidance and support for students from Widening Participation backgrounds – particularly students who are care experienced, carers or estranged – students who are or become asylum seekers and refugees, and students who are pregnant.
- To support the specific groups of students in the postholder’s remit with practical advice to help them maximise their income by accessing internal and external financial support (e.g. through the Discretionary Hardship Fund, SAAS etc.). Referral to and liaison with the University’s Finance and Scholarships teams will be required and the postholder will help ensure that students are able to make financially informed decisions about their studies.
- To organise and deliver activities/workshops as well as dedicated one to one support for Postgraduate Research students.
- To contribute to the organisation and delivery of new student induction programmes.
- To contribute to the development and management of the Get Ready for Success and Kick-Start Your Success programmes.
- To contribute to the recruitment process of and co-facilitate training sessions for student helpers for work in induction programmes, Get Ready for Success, peer mentoring, Kick-Start Your Success and other support and transition activities.
- To supervise and organise the work of student ambassadors during these programmes.
- To work with the Student Experience Manager in the co-ordination and management of induction and transition at the institutional level.
- To work with the Student Experience Manager in the development, promotion and delivery of a training programme for personal tutors.
- To contribute to the development of programmes of student peer mentoring.
- To contribute to the development of online and other resources and information to support student transition and retention, and the student experience generally. Information and resources may be generally applicable or targeted at specific groups of students.
- Co-ordinating and facilitating pre-entry activities and one to one support for students from Widening Participation backgrounds to ensure their successful transition to the University.
- To work with the Student Success Advisors on more complex at risk cases referred to the postholder, particularly as a result of the development of learning analytics.
- To contribute to the professional development of the Student Success Advisors.
- To deputise for the Student Experience Manager in their absence, including providing line management to the Student Success Advisors.
Essential & Desirable Criteria
Essential
- Educated to first degree level or equivalent or equivalent practical experience in the workplace.
- Experience of working within a similar environment as outlined above.
- Competent in the use of relevant IT packages.
- Proven relevant experience in advice, guidance and support, and assessing support needs of young people or vulnerable adults, which will have been acquired over a number of years.
- Experience in delivering training or group work programmes.
- Good knowledge and understanding of relevant legal, statutory and governance applications and turning them into good practice.
- Excellent interpersonal, influencing and presentation skills, able to understand and communicate complex issues effectively.
- Demonstrable excellent customer service.
- Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment.
- Experience of working closely with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation.
- Ability to research, analyse and present complex information effectively with good attention to detail.
- High level organisational skills with the ability to prioritise major developments and to function effectively in a pressured environment.
- Demonstrable professional and proactive approach.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Desirable
- Experience and understanding of access and inclusion issues in higher education.
- Knowledge and understanding of student funding.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted up to 11:55pm (UK time) on Sunday 24th May. Interviews are expected to take place during the week of the 8th June. Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment.
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups.
About the Team
Student Wellbeing Services are located within the Division of Student Life in the Registry & Academic Services Directorate. Student Wellbeing Services are primarily focussed on supporting students at the University’s Scottish Campuses (Edinburgh, Galashiels and in Orkney) and as part of a globally integrated service also work closely with colleagues based at our campuses in Dubai and Malaysia.
Student Wellbeing Services aim to provide a range of support, guidance, activities, and advice to help students to be their best, and get the most from their university experience. We engage with students throughout the student lifecycle, from pre-enrolment to graduation and the Service is made up of four main service areas:
- Counselling and Support Service
- Disability Service
- Student Experience Team
- University Chaplaincy
The Student Experience Team is responsible for a range of support initiatives and activities designed to support student retention and enhance the wider student experience. The team’s work includes one to one student support, organising and delivering workshops and activities, communications using a range of media, staff guidance and the creation of resources. Our areas of responsibility include the following:
- Student induction and transition including pre-entry initiatives such as messages to offer holders and the Get Ready for Success programme.
- Personal tutor guidance and training.
- Supporting student retention by helping students overcome obstacles to study and alternatives to leaving the University early.
- Supporting students from Widening Participation groups from the offer holder stage to graduation.
The Student Success Advisors are part of the Student Experience Team. They are all recent Heriot-Watt graduates and provide support, organise activities and provide key messages to students based on their student experience. This post has been created in response to the increased student demand for our services and the increasing complexity of students’ needs. The postholder will be one of two Student Wellbeing and Transition Advisors. The team also comprises three Student Success Advisors and is line managed by the Student Experience Manager. The postholder will work to share and enhance current areas of joint responsibility with the other Student Wellbeing and Transition Advisor and will also have their own dedicated areas of responsibility.
About Heriot-Watt University
At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.
Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
Student Wellbeing and Transition Advisor in Edinburgh employer: Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. With generous benefits such as 33 days of annual leave and opportunities for professional growth, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment dedicated to enhancing the student experience. Located across beautiful Scottish campuses, the university fosters a collaborative atmosphere where innovative ideas are encouraged, making it an ideal place for those passionate about supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Wellbeing and Transition Advisor in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Heriot-Watt University on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common questions for Student Wellbeing and Transition Advisors. Think about how your past experiences align with the role's requirements, especially in supporting vulnerable students.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for student wellbeing! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've supported students in the past, particularly those from Widening Participation backgrounds.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the team you'll be joining.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Wellbeing and Transition Advisor in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Student Wellbeing and Transition Advisor role. Highlight your relevant experience in providing support and guidance, especially for students from diverse backgrounds. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your interpersonal and communication skills! This role requires excellent customer service and the ability to handle complex issues. Share examples of how you've successfully supported students or vulnerable individuals in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research Heriot-Watt University and its Student Wellbeing Services. Understand their mission and values, especially how they support students from Widening Participation backgrounds. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your experience in providing advice and support to vulnerable students. Highlight any training or workshops you've delivered, as well as your ability to handle complex cases. This will illustrate your capability to excel in the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the current challenges faced by the Student Experience Team or how they measure the success of their support programmes. This shows your proactive approach and genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
Since this role involves working closely with students and various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss how you build rapport and communicate effectively. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated difficult conversations or provided support in a crisis, showcasing your interpersonal skills.
