Student Support Advisor (24/7 Service)

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About the vacancy: The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) is committed to supporting its students and providing an inclusive campus approach to service delivery. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of our newly established 24/7 Student Support team working together to provide an out of hour’s advice and support service to students. The team provide an initial response to vulnerable students and supporting concerned families, students, and staff.  As part of the inclusive campus approach, you will work closely with colleagues in Accommodation Services, Security and Operations, Duty Managers, and external agencies such as the emergency services, mental health support and charities.

A key part of the team’s work is to assess risk and work with the student, family, or colleagues to enable risk to be lowered. The team link in closely to others working during the day and are supported by standard operating processes (SOPs). Foundational to this role is the ability to listen, assess and reassure service users before initiating/coordinating an effective response, ie. that which reduces or removes the vulnerability of our students in terms of academic failure, withdrawal, distress, or personal harm.  The team will adopt a coaching approach to build resilience within the student community, ensuring students are fully engaged in their own solutions.

This vacancy is to work as part of a 24/7 service which responds to student concerns overnight. The postholder will work a rolling shift pattern of 3 nights on and 4 nights off 7pm to 7.30am including weekends, bank holidays and university closure days. It is a fixed term role for a period of 2 years.

Although you will be based at Frenchay, as need arises you will need to visit Glenside or the City Campuses.

About you:  You combine knowledge and understanding of best practice in risk assessment, triage, and customer care.  You adopt a collaborative way of working with a coaching approach to connect into the resourcefulness and expertise of Professional Services, Academic Teams and NHS partners. 

Energetic and resilient, you enjoy working at pace and are comfortable with complexity and uncertainty.  You have excellent communication and influencing skills and establish credibility quickly with staff at all levels. You are passionate about higher education and can inspire your colleagues individually and collectively to deliver the best possible support for students.

To be successful in the role you will need:  

• To respond appropriately to vulnerable students, liaising with colleagues across the campus.
• To deal with potentially challenging or distressing situations handling them sensitively and calmly.
• To assess risk and determine the correct course of action, following university policies and guidance.
• To have good IT skills and be able to make accurate and effective use of computerised office systems.
• Be flexible to adjust shifts with reasonable notice to attend training during the daytime

Where is this role based?

This post is based at our lively Frenchay campus where we have invested in the latest facilities and resources to give both our staff and students access to everything they need to succeed.

Why UWE Bristol?

We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 36,000 students and 4,200 staff from right across the globe. Based in Bristol , one of the UK’s most exciting and forward-thinking cities, we are regionally embedded and globally connected, with an established network of employer and academic partners.

In addition to progressive pay rates, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including generous annual leave and pension schemes as well as opportunities for training and personal development.

Add your individuality to ours

UWE Bristol recognises the power of a truly diverse university community .

We are proud to be part of a vibrant, multicultural city that celebrates diversity, we’re always looking for talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Our people are our strength, and diversity enhances our creativity and leads to better decision-making and problem-solving. Bring your talent and ambition to our growing community and find yourself in a stimulating and supportive environment where you’ll thrive.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian, Multiple Heritage or Other Minority Ethnic candidates as we are currently under-represented in these areas within UWE Bristol however all appointments are made strictly on individual merit.

Further information

If you would like an informal discussion about this opportunity and to discuss actual salary, please contact Emma Sheppard on 0117 3282018 or email: [email protected]

This is a full-time, fixed-term post for 2 years working a rolling shift pattern of 3 nights working and 4 nights off, 7pm to 7.30am. You will be paid additional enhancements for night-time working which are not included in the advertised salary. The additional enhancements will be paid at the following rates:

• Weekend shifts are paid at x1.5 the hourly rate.
• Night rate for hours worked between 8pm and 6am is x1.3333333

There are 3 different shifts comprising 3 nights working and 4 nights off; these will be worked in 4-week blocks, rotating through each of the 3 shifts so a 12-week pattern in total.

This post is not available on a job share basis.

Interviews will take place Thursday 29 February 2024.

UWE Bristol is a campus-based University and it is important for our success and the delivery of an outstanding experience for our students that our campuses are dynamic and vibrant places to learn and spend time. This role is therefore campus based for all your time.

The University’s normal practice is that new appointments will be made at the starting point of the grade.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role under the Home Office Skilled Worker visa route. As we are unable to sponsor anyone requiring a visa for this role candidates must therefore be able to provide their own right to work in the UK.

Should you be shortlisted you will be asked to provide your right to work documents at your interview. Please refer to the Home Office Right to Work Checklist which provides details of which documents are acceptable.

Please note that UWE does not cover any visa or health surcharge costs.