Student Welfare Officer

Job Title: Student Welfare Officer

Location: Broadstairs

Salary: 24,000 - 25,000 per year

Job type: Full Time, Permanent

Purpose of the role:

The individual in this role will play a crucial part in enhancing student well-being by offering comprehensive support to both prospective and current students. As the primary point of contact for inquiries regarding disabilities, they will serve as a valuable resource, providing information and guidance tailored to each student's unique circumstances.

In addition, the post-holder will deliver both practical and emotional support to help students overcome challenges and maximise their academic potential. This may involve developing personalised plans for assistance, coordinating with academic staff to create an inclusive learning environment, and connecting students with relevant resources and services. Ultimately, their goal will be to empower students to thrive in their educational journey.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as the company's first contact for enquiries related to disabilities and care leavers
• Ensure that potential applicants and existing students are given adequate opportunities to disclose a disability and their status as care leavers
• Ensure students have access to essential resources, including counselling services, disability support, and other relevant services
• Direct students to appropriate resources that can provide assistance and information related to their specific needs
• Support students throughout the process of applying for their Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).
• Liaise with DSA for advice where the reasonable adjustments are not clear
• Coordinate with other departments to implement reasonable adjustments needed for each student
• Provide assistance to individuals with physical or mental disability
• Coordinate resolution of issues raised by students with disability and care leavers students
• Act as a source of advice/information for the Academic and Admin Department
• Ensure that all adjustments are reasonable and satisfy the applicable legal requirements
• Ensure safeguarding standards are met and maintained
• Provide pastoral support to students
• Maintain accurate student welfare records and information and ensure confidential records are held and shared in line with GDPR requirements
• Collect and process financial support application forms in line with the College processes
• To provide training to staff and students in relation to health and wellbeing
• Organise student events to promote mental health and well-being; advertise the events and write an article for the newsletter. Create weekly social media posts to support student welfare and well-being.
• Compile comprehensive reports at the end of each term, including analysis of student performance, attendance records, and relevant feedback from both students and lecturers.
• Performing any other tasks or activities that fall within the overall scope of the job

Other General College Duties:

• Work flexibly as part of the College team to ensure the smooth running of the College's premises and facilities
• Participate actively and flexibly in a range of College-wide activities, such as duty rotas, enrolment and marketing events
• Participate in training and team development activities, to develop and update skills and knowledge
• Understand and be committed to the College's health and safety Policy statement and the College's safety priorities and be aware of your contribution to them
• Be aware of the College's equality policies and demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm to promote the principle of equality and diversity throughout all aspects of your work
• Be familiar with safeguarding requirements as outlined in the College's policies and comply with its requirements to safeguard and protect the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults
• Undertake such additional duties or projects as directed by the directors or senior managers of the College.

Person Specification:

The successful candidate should have the knowledge and competence required for standard acceptable performance in this role.

Essential:

• UK Qualification to an A level
• Literacy and numeracy skills at level 2
• Good knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and tight deadline
• Proven customer service experience

Desirable:

• Qualification to a degree level in the relevant subject area
• Knowledge and understanding of the GDPR
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Leadership skill
• Experience of working with a range of physical disabilities and mental health issues
• Mental Health awareness

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a Cover Letter detailing their relevant experience and qualifications.

Candidates with experience of: Student Wellbeing Manager, Student Support Manager, Student Services Manager, Student Wellbeing Officer, may also be considered for this role.