Student Adviser

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Job Description

Main Purpose of role:

To provide an information, advice and representation service to students
To monitor, research, analyse and advise on relevant local, national and global policy
To maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant legislation and procedures

Responsible to:

Advice and Representation Manager

Responsible for

No staff

Information, advice and representation service

1. To work as part of a team to provide a comprehensive advice and representation service to students on welfare and academic issues i.e. student finance, money advice, housing, academic issues and legal advice
2. To undertake advice surgeries at satellite sites of the University, as required
3. To work with the Officers to represent the interest of students to the University, local authority and other agencies
4. To assist in providing information to students in a range of media including one-to-one, through leaflets, group talks and electronic communication
5. To provide a peer to peer case file review service as required
6. To maintain full and accurate records (both electronic and paper) of casework
7. To adopt at least one speciality within the team from the following list:
   1. Finance – advising on debt avoidance and management, supporting students with financial hardship cases
   2. Education – to develop particular expertise in handling the more complex academic caseload and support officers.
   3. Housing – to develop a particular knowledge of housing issues as they relate to our membership.
   4. International Students – providing specific support to the relevant officers, co-ordinating various initiatives designed to improve international students’ experience (e.g. HOST)

To monitor, research, analyse and advise on relevant local, national and global policy

1. To work with the team to review, update, develop and implement relevant Union policy
2. To monitor, research and analyse local, national and global issues affecting students in Higher Education, reporting to the Manager, Officers and Committees, as required
3. To work with the team to identify and prepare briefings for issues arising within the University, providing appropriate research, advice and support to Officers and representatives as required.
4. To assist in delivering effective and innovative campaigns, including lobbying and events

To maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant legislation and procedures

1. To keep up to date with changing government legislation, specifically as it relates to the wide range of SUSU members
2. To keep up to date with relevant University legislation and procedures
3. To liaise with relevant individuals and organisations within the University and externally e.g. University Counselling Service and Accommodation Office, Housing Advisory Service, Environmental Health Service and solicitors
4. To maintain up-to-date knowledge of current standards, best practice, rules and regulations in your specialist area and to network and liaise with other local and national specialists

Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Union by:

1. To maintain and prepare documents both on paper and electronically
2. To attend all meetings and training events as required
3. To assist in ensuring that statutory and legal obligations are met
4. To support and promote the Union’s various policies in all aspects of the role: in particular this includes the policies for Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities, Harassment and Ethical & Environmental.
5. To contribute to the positive image of Southampton University Students’ Union with students, University and the local community, creating and strengthening key relationships with stakeholders
6. To undertake any other duties as may be reasonably prescribed by the Union, appropriate to the grade and responsibilities of this post