At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-quality advice and manage complex casework to support students at BCUSU.
- Company: BCUSU, an independent student union dedicated to providing essential support.
- Benefits: Generous holidays, health care cash plan, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: BCUSU values diversity and inclusion, offering a dynamic workplace for all.
- Why this job: Step into a supervisory role and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in advice delivery, strong communication skills, and ability to manage complex cases.
The predicted salary is between 33449 - 36900 £ 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:
- Relevant Advice training (e.g. Citizens Advice / AdviceUK).
- 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. AdviceUK).
- 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. AdvicePro).
- Resilience and ability to manage competing demands.
Hours
Full time, 35 hours per week.
Salary
£33,449 - £36,900 (Grade D)
Application deadline: Sunday 23rd August, 11pm
Selection process
If shortlisted for an interview, you should be contacted by Friday 4th September. If you have not heard back by this date, please consider that your application has been unsuccessful. Interview date Wednesday 9th September.
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.
Senior Student Adviser in Birmingham employer: National Union of Students
The National Union of Students in Bath is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive workplace that values collaboration and innovation. With competitive benefits such as pension contributions and 30 days of annual leave, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. This role not only allows you to lead impactful projects but also provides ample opportunities for growth within a dynamic environment dedicated to high governance standards.
Contact Details:
National Union of Students Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Student Adviser in Birmingham
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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 National Union of Students:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to National 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 National Union of Students
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
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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.
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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.
