At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students by providing guidance and connecting them to essential services.
- Company: University of Westminster, a progressive and compassionate institution.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a team dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a dynamic community.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service or student support, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 18 £ per hour.
Job Opportunity: Student Support & Wellbeing Engagement Officer
Location: University of Westminster
Salary: £15 per hour (Competitive based on experience)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
The Role
Are you a compassionate, organized professional dedicated to helping students thrive? We are looking for a Student Support & Wellbeing Engagement Officer to act as the vital "front door" to our student services.
In this role, you will be the first point of contact for students seeking support. You will manage initial triage conversations, assess student needs with empathy, and coordinate access to a wide range of specialist services, including Disability Support, Mental Health, Counselling, and Funding advice.
Key Responsibilities
- Triage & Support: Act as the first point of contact via telephone, email, and in-person, providing a welcoming and professional environment for all students.
- Service Navigation: Identify appropriate support pathways and facilitate referrals to specialist teams Wellbeing, Mental Health, and Specialist Mentoring.
- Crisis Response: Respond calmly and effectively to students who may be in distress, using tact and discretion to ensure they receive the care they need.
- Engagement & Outreach: Support student inclusion by attending open days, developing self-help resources, and updating service publicity via social media and university platforms.
- Operational Excellence: Maintain accurate, confidential records in line with GDPR and contribute to the continuous improvement of triage processes.
About You
To excel in this role, you should be a resilient communicator who enjoys working in a fast-paced and inclusive community.
Essential Requirements:
- Experience: Previous experience in a busy customer-facing or student support role, preferably within Higher Education.
- Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to listen effectively and respond with clarity and sensitivity.
- Problem Solving: The ability to assess complex information quickly and identify the next best steps for a student's journey.
- IT Proficiency: Strong competence in MS Office and experience using databases or student record systems (e.g., SITS/SAP).
- Values: A deep commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Desirable Assets:
- Recognised training in Mental Health First Aid or Suicide Awareness (e.g., ASSIST).
- Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) process.
Why Join Us?
We offer a supportive environment that values professional development. You will be part of a team that is "Progressive, Compassionate, and Responsible," working to ensure every student has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
Student Support in London employer: Randstad Student Support
At the University of Westminster, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture. As a Student Support & Wellbeing Engagement Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while benefiting from professional development opportunities and a collaborative team environment. Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion ensures that every employee feels valued and empowered to thrive in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Support in London
✨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 Randstad Student Support.
✨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 Randstad Student Support!
✨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 Randstad Student Support, 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 Randstad Student Support 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 Student Support in London
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 Randstad Student Support:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Randstad Student Support! 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 Randstad Student Support
✨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.
