At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide impartial housing advice and support to students facing housing issues.
- Company: Join Oxford SU and help shape a new housing advice service for students.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to influence future housing support.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting initiative that improves student housing experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in providing advice and knowledge of UK housing law required.
We're looking for a knowledgeable and proactive Housing Advice Caseworker to launch and develop a new housing advice service for students at Oxford.
You’ll provide independent, impartial advice to students experiencing housing issues, while building strong relationships across the collegiate University and the local housing sector to improve support and early intervention.
This role will sit within our Advice Service and offers a unique opportunity to shape a new service, combining specialist casework with outreach, partnership working and service development to improve the student housing experience.
What you’ll do:
- Provide confidential, non‑judgemental, impartial housing advice and casework to students on issues including tenancy agreements, landlord disputes, licences to occupy and housing rights.
- Manage a varied caseload, supporting students to understand their options and navigate complex housing issues.
- Develop accessible guidance, workshops and digital resources to help students make informed housing decisions.
- Build strong relationships with colleges, University departments, landlords, letting agents, Oxford City Council and other local organisations.
- Strengthen referral pathways across the collegiate University to ensure students receive joined‑up support.
- Identify trends from casework and contribute evidence and recommendations to shape the future of housing advice at Oxford SU.
What you’ll bring:
- Experience providing advice, guidance or casework support in complex or sensitive situations.
- Knowledge of UK housing law and landlord and tenant rights.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and empathetically.
- Strong organisational skills and experience managing competing priorities and confidential case records.
- The ability to build productive relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience creating accessible written resources, workshops or other engagement activities.
You’ll thrive in this role if you are:
- Passionate about improving the student housing experience.
- Empathetic, supportive and able to maintain professional boundaries.
- Proactive and confident building relationships across complex organisations.
- Comfortable balancing individual casework with longer‑term service development.
- Curious, solutions‑focused and committed to continuous improvement.
- Committed to providing an inclusive, accessible and non‑judgemental advice service.
Why join us?
This is an exciting opportunity to establish a brand‑new Housing Advice service at Oxford SU. You’ll combine meaningful one‑to‑one support with the opportunity to shape how housing advice is delivered across the collegiate University, building partnerships, improving access to support and influencing the future of student housing.
Contract type: 15 hours per week (0.4 FTE), fixed‑term for 1 year (with possibility for extension)
Working hours and location: Normally worked between Monday‑Friday, 9am‑5pm, with occasional evening work. Based at 4 Worcester Street, Oxford. We expect staff to be on‑site up to 100% of the week during full term and around 60% during vacation periods.
Salary: £31,637 per annum, pro rata. (£13,186 actual). Subject to Cost of Living Award increases.
Please note that applications close at 9am on Monday 27th July.
Housing Advice Caseworker in Oxford employer: Oxford University Students' Union
Oxford University Students' Union is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. As a Student Housing Advocate & Service Builder, you will have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the student community while collaborating with various stakeholders in the vibrant city of Oxford. With a strong emphasis on employee development and a commitment to enhancing the student housing experience, this role offers a rewarding career path in a dynamic and engaging setting.
Contact Details:
Oxford University Students' Union Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Advice Caseworker in Oxford
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Oxford University Students' Union, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Oxford University Students' Union. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
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We think you need these skills to ace Housing Advice Caseworker in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Oxford University Students' Union. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Oxford University Students' Union.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford University Students' Union
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Oxford University Students' Union.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Housing Advice Caseworker at Oxford University Students' Union.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Oxford University Students' Union that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Housing Advice Caseworker role.
