At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with social communication challenges to thrive at university.
- Company: Join the Student Wellbeing Services team at Lancaster University.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements and a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while fostering inclusion and independence.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting individuals with social communication challenges is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Please note: this job is only available to current employees of Lancaster University.
Flexible Working: Open to flexible working arrangements.
Are you passionate about supporting students with social communication challenges and looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact? This is an exciting opportunity to join the Student Wellbeing Services team at Lancaster University as a Wellbeing Mentor. We are recruiting for 3 posts. In this role, you will focus on supporting students with ADHD, Autism, and Asperger’s Syndrome to develop practical skills to support their transition into university life, during their studies, and preparing for future study or employment. You’ll meet students one-to-one, and lead group work, to provide practical strategies, emotional support, and tailored guidance that reduces barriers to learning and promotes independence.
Purpose of the Role: You will provide specialist mentoring skills and advice to students with social communication difficulties, enabling them to succeed at Lancaster. Your contributions will help students manage daily life, workload, and foster inclusion within the university community.
Key Responsibilities
- Support Students in Transition: Assist students pre-arrival and encourage participation in the ‘Preparing for Lancaster’ programme.
- Mentoring and Guidance: Conduct structured mentoring sessions, both one-on-one and in groups, focusing on academic skills and independence.
- Develop Practical Skills: Help students with prioritisation, time management, and stress management techniques to cope with anxiety.
- Collaboration and Communication: Work with colleagues within Student Wellbeing Services to implement reasonable adjustments for students.
- Evaluate and Improve Services: Maintain accurate records of student engagement and seek feedback for continuous service evaluation.
- Community Building: Facilitate students' integration and belonging within the university community.
Person Specification
Qualifications: Mentoring or coaching qualification (or equivalent) – Desirable.
Knowledge and Experience: Experience of supporting individuals with social communication challenges in an advisory role – Essential. Understanding challenges faced by university students with social communication difficulties – Essential. Knowledge of risk management in an organisational setting – Essential. Experience in managing a caseload and record-keeping – Essential.
Skills and Personal Attributes: Excellent IT skills (Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) – Essential. Emotional resilience and ability to work under pressure – Essential. Strong interpersonal and communication skills – Essential. Commitment to continuous improvement and excellent organisational skills – Essential.
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.
Wellbeing Mentor X3 - 0520-26 in Lancaster employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises student wellbeing and success. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and opportunities to lead impactful initiatives in widening participation. Located in the vibrant city of Lancaster, staff enjoy a supportive culture that values diversity and fosters collaboration across disciplines.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wellbeing Mentor X3 - 0520-26 in Lancaster
✨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 Lancaster University.
✨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 Lancaster University!
✨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 Lancaster University, 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 Lancaster University 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 Wellbeing Mentor X3 - 0520-26 in Lancaster
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 Lancaster University:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Lancaster University! 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 Lancaster University
✨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.
