Student Adviser Recruitment Pack June 2019
Recruitment Pack – Student Adviser
WELCOME Thank you for your interest in the position of Student Adviser at Kent Union. We are a successful, vibrant and exciting organisation with a bright future ahead of us. We have achieved a great deal in the last few years, more than doubling in size to our current £12 million turnover, 500 employees and 2,000+ volunteers. Kent Union is a great place to work. We were re-accredited with Investor in People Gold status in December 2014, and were accredited with Leaders in Diversity in 2013; we were the first students’ union in the UK to achieve Investing in Volunteers status and have been included in the Sunday Times 100 Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to Work For, for 10 years, placed 58th for 2019. Are you passionate about working with students? Do you want to support and empower students so they can stay and complete their degrees at Kent? Have you got an advice background and are you looking for an opportunity to move into a position with an interesting and varied workload? If the answer is yes, then this is the role for you! The role of Student Adviser is integral in advising and supporting students at Kent to ensure they stay in education and go on to fulfil their aspirations long after they leave Kent. The Advice Service provides support to 4,500 students each year on issues ranging from immigration, finances, housing and academic issues through our centres in Canterbury and Medway. It is completely independent of the University of Kent so provides impartial and confidential service to our students. In a years’ time, the University will be opening a Medical School in conjunction with Canterbury Christ Church University and this role will be essential to advising these new students. As a Student Adviser, you will get to work with students on a one to one basis every day ensuring you empower them with the advice and information they require to make decisions on issues affecting their time at university. You will also be working closely with stakeholders to develop and build partnerships with University Schools and departments. The post holder will be working within Kent Union’s Advice Centre which is based on the University of Kent Canterbury campus in a team of five advisers. We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting and empowering students and that can give independent and impartial advice. For the role, you’ll need to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills which will enable you to engage effectively with both students and senior staff within the University. We are looking for a skilled adviser with experience of giving advice in a Higher Education setting. The post holder must be able to deliver high standards of customer service and be committed to going above and beyond for the students at Kent. This is an incredibly exciting role and opportunity to be a part of one of Kent Union’s most important areas of work. We hope you consider joining the team. If you would like any further information or for an informal conversation about the role please get in touch with Melanie Sharman, Deputy Chief Executive on 01227 824200.
Recruitment Pack – Student Adviser
WHY WORK FOR US? We’re Bold You’ll be working for an organisation that is innovative and challenges the status quo to stand up for students and ensure they have the best time at University. You’ll get to directly shape what we do and pioneer new areas of work.
We’re Supportive We offer 37* days of annual leave, time off for volunteering, ability to occasionally work from home and an optional pension scheme. We’re also flexible as we understand that life isn’t 9-5 and we’ll always look at how we can best adapt to meet your needs.
We’re Inclusive We are an organisation that champions equality and diversity and works to embed this in everything we do. We positively encourage applications from all individuals irrespective of their gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality, religious beliefs or disability.
And It’s Great Fun! We are always working hard to improve the student experience but we have a great time doing it. You’ll be joining a team of passionate and friendly people and get to be involved in all the incredibly random fun things we do that make Students’ Unions such amazing and unique places to work.
*Entitled to 23 days’ leave, increasing by 1 day a year to a maximum of 28 days; 6 ‘customary’ days’ leave, normally taken over Christmas; and the 8 statutory leave days for England. Total entitlement is therefore 37 days in year 1, rising to 42 days after 5 years.
Recruitment Pack – Student Adviser
THE ROLE Job Description – Student Adviser Department: Advice Centre - Canterbury Reports to: Head of Representation & Democracy Direct reports: None Role Purpose: To provide impartial advice & support to students on a wide range of welfare issues relating to University and non-University life. The post holder will be expected to maintain high standards of customer service and adhere to Kent Union policies and relevant legislation on the provision of advice to students. Duties and Responsibilities Financial Responsibilities: 1. To ensure all budgets are managed effectively, ensuring full adherence to Kent Union’s financial reporting procedures. Operational Duties: 1. To provide impartial, non-judgmental, client centred, free, general advice on a range of issues, including but not limited to, student finance; academic issues; housing rights and welfare benefits. 2. To advise & assist international students and their dependants on all issues relating to a Tier 4 visa, whether from within the UK or from abroad. 3. To advise students on documentation in regard to the Police Registration Scheme. 4. To provide advice, representation and advocacy at internal and external hearings especially in regard to disciplinary and academic hearings. 5. To create and maintain accurate, comprehensive case records at all times; record all advice given and outcomes of any actions taken. Ensure confidentiality is adhered to at all times. Ensure all deadlines are recorded and adhered to. 6. To organise and provide proactive client centred advice on a range of issues including, financial capability, budgeting, housing problems , immigration and academic issues 7. To identify areas of social policy highlighted in casework with students. Provide a report and ensure that the necessary procedures are followed to raise awareness of the issue with the full time officers. 8. To act as Duty Adviser as and when required. Responsibility for responding to any emergency situation; answering any advice emails; telephone calls or seeing students dropping into the advice centre and advising and assisting as necessary. 9. To support students to apply for any possible additional funding, available, including, but not limited to, applying to; Access to Learning Fund; University bursaries; Hardship funds. To lodge any applications as necessary and provide supporting statements if required. To lodge any applications as necessary and provide supporting statements if required. Ensure students income is checked and maximised if possible by challenging any Student Finance England decisions if possible. 10. To attend and contribute to appropriate meetings, including internal to Kent Union, with external organisations, bodies or University departments, including induction programmes, fresher’s events and any other events/programmes as required, . 11. To Provide advice and assistance to any designated care leavers and act as a designated point of contact. Responsibility for ensuring that all legislative and financial entitlements are met and challenge any statutory bodies as necessary in complex cases.
Recruitment Pack – Student Adviser
12. To develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships with various departments, staff and academics at the stakeholder institutions, as well as with external organisations, bodies and groups. Liaising and developing links as necessary. Expected Behaviours: 1. To attend all training sessions necessary to ensure post holders knowledge and skills are kept up to date. To attend all appropriate meetings as and when required by Kent Union. 2. To contribute to the positive image of Kent Union with students, University and the local community. 3. To lead by example and demonstrate a full understanding of the organisations democratic structures. 4. To ensure systems are in place to reduce Kent Unions’ impact on the environment. 5. To support elected officers in delivering their manifesto pledges and in developing, coordinating and promoting the democratic structures and provide any briefings required. 6. To comply and complete the objectives set out in the post holders personal development plan and any relevant aspects of the Kent Union Operating Plan and undertake regular training to ensure continuing professional development. 7. To contribute in creating a culture of excellence in customer service, ensuring that customers’ expectations are exceeded whenever possible. 8. To ensure that the Union’s Health, Safety and Well-being Policy and appropriate Health and Safety legislation is adhered to at all times. 9. To undertake other tasks and responsibilities compatible with the level and nature of the post as required by your manager from time to time.
Summary of terms This is a full time, permanent position Hours of work – 35 hours per week Normal place of work – Canterbury This job description does not form part of the contract of employment.
Recruitment Pack – Student Adviser
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Person Specification Essential requirements should be demonstrated before appointment and maintained in post. Desirable elements should be developed and maintained once in post as needed Qualifications Essential Desirable Tested at Tested at Interview application GCSE English or equivalent X X GCSE Maths or equivalent X X Degree or relevant qualification Advice qualification Experience Experience of working within the advice sector or equivalent Have experience of giving immigration advice as relevant to students Experience of providing representation and advocacy Experience of building strong and productive relationships with external stakeholders to deliver shared objectives A track record of delivering the highest standard of customer service Knowledge Detailed knowledge of High Education Institutions and Student Support Systems Detailed knowledge of housing Detailed knowledge of immigration legislation relating to student A thorough understanding of the current issues affecting higher education institutions and students and how this impacts on the role Skills and Abilities Sound judgement and ability to handle competing priorities and a challenging workload in a pressurised environment Proficient in IT, specifically Microsoft Office Ability to operate effectively in a complex environment, with the political skills and acumen to develop productive relationships with a range of people Excellent communication skills, with the ability to relate to and communicate effectively with people at all levels An effective and highly capable individual who is punctual, friendly and has a positive attitude, takes pride in their own work and that of team members and provides an excellent standard of customer service
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Recruitment Pack – Student Adviser
Values and Behaviours Evidence of a personal commitment to continuing professional development A commitment to equality of opportunity; someone who builds a culture of inclusivity and removes barriers to diversity A team player, who helps others build a successful team, celebrates others’ success and supports others to achieve individual and team goals A strong commitment to working in a democratic and membership organisation, with the ability to empower and build constructive relationships with elected officers
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Recruitment Pack – Student Adviser
A BIT ABOUT US Why we’re here – our mission We are a charity that supports students at the University of Kent; we:
Stand up for students Help them have the best time at Kent Prepare them for life after Kent
Why we do it – our beliefs We believe every student at the University of Kent should have the opportunity to try out new experiences, have fun, make new friends and be part of a community; we believe every student should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential in life, have a voice in society and make a difference. We believe that Kent Union is integral to empowering students to realise this belief.
Where we’re going – our vision Our vision is for students at Kent to have one of the best student experiences on the planet, to be the best students’ union in Europe and to be a world class employer in the Not-for-Profit Sector; we know this is ambitious, but our strategic plan, our culture, our values and our mission will help us achieve our vision.
How we’re perceived – our values
Bold – we are brave and courageous; we stand up for students’ rights; we are innovative and we challenge the status quo. Inclusive – we welcome all people and appreciate their uniqueness; we are champions of equality and diversity. Supportive – we look out for people; we want students to succeed in life so we offer transformative experiences for them to get involved in; we ensure our staff have a healthy work-life balance.
Legal Status Kent Union is an unincorporated association and a registered charity. The Union has a Board of Trustees, which is legally responsible for all aspects of the organisation.
Democratic Structures Kent Union is a membership organisation; all students at the University of Kent are automatically members of Kent Union. The membership provides strategic and political direction through the Union’s democratic structures, including petition and feedback mechanisms, all student votes, referenda, the Annual General Meeting, Student Networks, Union Executive Committee and seven elected Trustees.
Recruitment Pack – Student Adviser
The Trustees The Trustees of Kent Union are the five ‘sabbatical officers’, four ‘external’ trustees and four ‘student’ trustees. The sabbatical officers and two of the student trustees are elected each year by and from the student membership of Kent Union. The sabbatical officers take a year out of their studies (or immediately after graduating) to serve as a trustee; they can stand for re-election for a second year if they choose, but can serve for no more than two years. Unlike the trustees of most registered charities, the sabbatical officers are paid a living allowance and work a normal working week. The four student trustees have all the responsibilities of being a trustee, but are still studying and fulfil their duties on a ‘part-time’ and voluntary basis. Two of the four student trustees are elected by cross-campus ballot and take office on 1 July each year; the other two student trustees are selected via a recruitment process in the October of each year.
Staff and Management Structure Kent Union employs approximately 500 staff to provide services for its members. Staff are of two types – approximately 350 student staff, who work whilst completing their studies at the University of Kent; and approximately 150 career staff – professionals who have made working at Kent Union part of their career. The Board of Trustees oversees the work of staff through the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, who in turn manage staff through the 8 senior managers, each of whom is responsible for one of the Union’s Departments or a strategic function.
Recruitment Pack – Student Adviser
THE IMPORTANT HR BIT Summary Conditions of Appointment Salary The post is at Grade 7 point 1 of Kent Union’s pay scale with a salary of £26,572. Staff normally move up one incremental point annually, subject to performance.
Probationary arrangements This post is subject to a 6-month probationary period, with 1, 3 and 6-month reviews.
Notice Period The notice period for this position is one month.
Annual Leave Entitlement The post holder is entitled to 23 days’ leave, increasing by 1 day a year to a maximum of 28 days; 6 ‘customary’ days’ leave, normally taken over Christmas; and the 8 statutory leave days for England. Total entitlement is therefore 37 days in year 1, rising to 42 days after 5 years.
Pension The post holder is entitled to join Kent Union’s Career Average Related Earnings (CARE) pension scheme with salary sacrifice, in which Kent Union contributes 16% and employees contribute 6% of salary. Alternatively, the post-holder can join a personal pension scheme through Scottish Equitable, in which Kent Union contributes 6% and employees contribute 3% of salary.
Hours of Work The contracted hours are 35 hours per week; additional hours where deemed necessary with occasional evenings or weekends.
Work-Life Balance Kent Union is committed to facilitating a healthy work-life balance and has cutting edge flexible working policies, including extensive maternity, paternity and grand-parent leave; generous adoption and parental leave entitlement; facilities for sabbatical leave; the option to work from home on occasion and time off for volunteering.
Equality of Opportunity Kent Union is committed to the principles of equality of opportunity and will endeavour to meet the needs of any candidate who fulfils the requirements of the person specification.
Recruitment Pack – Student Adviser
HOW TO APPLY Application and Selection Process and Timetable 14 June 2019 7 July 2019 19 July 2019
Position advertised Applications close at midnight Interviews
Applications To apply please download and complete an application form from our recruitment website www.kentunion.co.uk/careers and email it, along with the Equal Opportunities Monitoring form to
[email protected]; please ensure that you pay particular attention in your application to detailing how you meet the requirements of the person specification. The Equal Opportunities Monitoring form will be separated from applications prior to short-listing. Completed applications must be received by midnight on 7 July.
Website Kent Union’s website contains further background information about Kent Union to help potential applicants. Potential applicants are encouraged to look at the website prior to applying; the website address is www.kentunion.co.uk
Further Information and Questions For any further information or an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Melanie Sharman, Deputy Chief Executive on 01227 824200.
Recruitment Pack – Student Adviser
JOB ADVERT Student Adviser Annual Salary £26,572 35 hours per week 37 days annual leave rising to 42 after 5 years Generous pension and benefits Thank you for your interest in the role of Student Adviser at Kent Union. We are a successful, vibrant and exciting organisation with a bright future ahead of us. We have achieved a great deal in the last few years, more than doubling in size to our current £12 million turnover, 500 employees and 2,000+ volunteers. Kent Union is a great place to work. We were re-accredited with Investor in People Gold status in December 2014, and were accredited with Leaders in Diversity in 2013; we were the first students’ union in the UK to achieve Investing in Volunteers status and have been included in the Sunday Times 100 Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to Work For, for 10 years, placed 58th for 2019. The role of Student Adviser is integral in advising and supporting students at Kent to ensure they stay in education and go on to fulfil their aspirations long after they leave Kent. The Advice Service provides support to 4,500 students each year on issues ranging from immigration, finances, housing and academic issues through their centres in Canterbury and Medway. It is completely independent of the University of Kent so provides impartial and confidential service to our students. In a years’ time, the University will be opening a Medical School in conjunction with Canterbury Christ Church University and this role will be essential to advising these new students. As a Student Adviser, you will get to work with students on a one to one basis every day ensuring you empower them with the advice and information they require to make decisions on issues affecting their time at university. You will also be working closely with stakeholders to develop and build partnerships with University Schools and departments. The post holder will be working within Kent Union’s Advice Centre which is based on the University of Kent Canterbury campus in a team of five advisers. We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting and empowering students and that can give independent and impartial advice. For the role, you’ll need to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills which will enable you to engage effectively with both students and senior staff within the University. We are looking for a skilled adviser with experience of giving advice in a Higher Education setting. The post holder must be able to deliver high standards of customer service and be committed to going above and beyond for the students at Kent. This is an incredibly exciting role and opportunity to be a part of one of Kent Union’s most important areas of work. We hope you consider joining the team. If you would like any further information or for an informal conversation about the role please get in touch with Melanie Sharman, Deputy Chief Executive on 01227 824200. To apply please download and complete an application form from our recruitment website https://kentunion.co.uk/careers and email it, along with the Equal Opportunities Monitoring form to
[email protected].
Closing date for applications: 7 July 2019 (midnight) Interviews: 19 July 2019
