What’s the job?
The Union Advice Service provides high quality, confidential advice to all Brunel students. We advise and assist students with a range of issues particularly Academic matters, Housing, Money and Health and Wellbeing.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the ability to work within an effective “triage” environment, engaging on the front line with many students presenting a wide variety of issues.
You will be able to quickly analyse issues presented to you and assess the appropriate response- either through internal referral, signposting or basic on the spot advice. We expect all staff to deliver a high level of confidentiality and empathy to our members.
You will provide admin support to the Advice team on various topics, you will be required to make appointments, create accurate records, deal with reception duties on our face to face sessions and assist in telephone queries from our clients.
Who you are?
We are currently looking for an enthusiastic, considerate Brunel Student, to join our team on a casual basis as an Advice Administrator.
We are looking for somebody who has strong communication skills, a great team player, attention to detail and the ability to think on the spot.
Working hours are between 9am and 5pm, and can be flexible around your studies. We are open to discussing exact working hours and days for this role, but consistent availability over at least two days on Mondays to Wednesdays is essential. The role will be based within our offices in the Hamilton Building.
Key Dates
Application deadline – 21st August 2024
Interviews – Week commencing the 26th August 2024
Start date – TBC with successful candidate (likely to be the W/C 17th September 2024)
If you have any questions you can contact Huw.Harris@brunel.ac.uk
Our Values
Our Values are an important factor in The Union of Brunel Students as they drive our decisions.
- Driven by You
- Open to All
- Passionately positive
- Integrity
We would love to hear from you if you feel that you can bring these values alive!
Job Description: Advice Admin - Student Staff
Responsible To: Advice and Wellbeing Manager
Pay Grade: CT1 (£11.50 per hour)
Hours of Work: Zero-hours contract (cannot work more than 20 hours a week)
Contract: Fixed term - Until 20th June 2025
Job Function:
To work within the Union Advice Service providing the membership with information and advice on a wide range of issues. The purpose of the role is to be the first point of contact for student advice enquiries and where appropriate make referrals to advisers whilst providing good administrative support to the team.
Student Support
- Provide information, support, and basic advice to the membership on a range of matters in person, on the phone and by email.
- Through good questioning and interviewing skills gather relevant information from clients.
- Refer to University services or external bodies where appropriate, after discussion with an Adviser.
- Assist in the administration of the Union administered Hardship Fund where appropriate.
Managing Information
- To identify trends in casework as they arise and report them to the Advice team.
- To contribute to talks, publications, research projects, promotional events and training as required.
- Attend and contribute to internal meetings as required.
Administration
- Maintain confidential, comprehensive records so that effective casework is undertaken and followed up in an appropriate manner.
- Keeping records on the case recording database as directed, of numbers of students using the department and the nature of enquiries received.
- Where appropriate, to provide support for the administration of the Advice Service.
- Assist with maintenance and update of the Advice website.
- Take minutes for team meetings and committees as directed.
General
- Ensure a high and consistent standard of customer care within all areas of responsibility.
- To work within the Union procedures and codes of practice.
- To be aware of, and abide by, the confidentiality policy of the Union.
- Ensure that any conflict of interests are dealt with appropriately and reported to the Advice and Wellbeing Manager.
- To be aware of the necessary Health and Safety policies, legislation and best practice, as practiced by the Union.
- To ensure that equal opportunities and diversity policies are followed through in all aspects of work.
- To ensure all relevant departmental activity is in line with the specific requirements of and the spirit of the Union’s Environmental and Ethics policies.
- To undertake such other duties as are agreed to being in keeping with the general nature of the job and its grade.
- Attend such meetings, conferences and training events as instructed and approved by the Advice and Wellbeing Manager.
- Support the Advice Service Team and the Union of Brunel Students Executive Officers in the planning and process of events, projects and campaigns.
- Provide information to relevant services and departments as directed.
Person Specification
The following criteria should be used to assist you in completing the application form. Please address all specifications and explain how you meet the requirements.
Essential
- Good working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite of software.
- Good knowledge of general IT systems and applications including spreadsheets and databases.
- Good spoken and written English.
- Good organisational skills, including ability to multi task, plan and prioritise work.
- Ability to build and maintain key relationships with University and Community Services.
- Ability to work in a confidential setting.
- Ability to empower clients and set appropriate boundaries.
- Ability to ask probing questions in a sensitive manner.
- Ability to work in a non-judgemental way.
- Understanding of the skills needed to undertake casework and advocacy.
Desirable
- Ability to highlight trends in advice work raising these through appropriate channels.
- Experience of advice work – in Housing Advice, Money Management, Benefits, Student Funding or University Procedures.
- Proven experience within a varied administrative role in a busy office environment.
- Experience of planning projects/events.
Please complete the following forms to apply:
APPLICATION FORM
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING FORM
Please return completed application forms, with the equal opportunities monitoring form to: ubs.recruitment@brunel.ac.uk