At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with advice and guidance on various issues, ensuring their well-being at university.
- Company: Join a supportive university team dedicated to enhancing student life and experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 39 days of annual leave, hybrid working, and generous health and wellbeing perks.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values diversity and promotes gender equality.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in student support or counselling is preferred, along with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31236 - 37694 £ per year.
This post undertakes a critical function within the Student Journey and Support Service and the Student Life team. The Senior Student Life Adviser will see students for individual appointments, drop-ins or group sessions to provide advice, guidance and support covering a wide range of issues, including assisting students with settling into University, and be a key point of contact and support for students disclosing and/or reporting incidents of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment and discrimination.
You will work closely with other members of Student Journey and Support Services, colleagues in Schools of Studies and Professional Services across the University. You will be a vital member of the Student Life Team who are critical in providing much needed support, at any stage in a student's studies, which will enable them to continue to fully participate in their life and learning at University.
The post is available from 6 March 2026 on a full-time basis for a fixed term period of up to 12 months to cover the maternity leave of the current post holder. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Appointment will be subject to a criminal record check at Enhanced level from the Disclosure and Barring Service, including a check of the Child Barred List. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Benefits include:
- 39 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and University Customary days.
- Family and Work-life balance policies including hybrid working and considerable maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave.
- Generous pension scheme with life cover for dependants, plus incapacity cover.
- Health and Wellbeing: discounted access to Sportspark facilities, relaxation rooms, 320 acres of rolling parkland, wellbeing walks, Wellbeing Ambassador network, on-campus medical centre including NHS Dentist, Occupational Health and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Campus Facilities: Sportspark, library, nursery, supermarket, post office, bars and catering outlets.
- Exclusive shopping discounts to help cut the cost of household bills, childcare salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and public transport discounts.
- Personal Development: unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning courses, specialist advice and training from our Organisational Development and Professional Learning Team.
Closing date: 5 January 2026. The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.
Senior Student Life Adviser employer: University of East Anglia
As a Senior Student Life Adviser at our University, you will join a supportive and inclusive work culture dedicated to enhancing the student experience. With generous benefits such as 39 days of annual leave, hybrid working options, and extensive personal development opportunities, we prioritise your well-being and professional growth. Our vibrant campus offers a wealth of resources, including sports facilities and wellness programmes, making it an excellent environment for both personal and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Student Life Adviser
✨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 University of East Anglia.
✨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 University of East Anglia!
✨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 University of East Anglia, 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 University of East Anglia 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 Senior Student Life Adviser
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 University of East Anglia:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to University of East Anglia! 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 University of East Anglia
✨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.
