Job Description
We are looking for two dedicated and enthusiastic Students' Union Advisers to provide money and academic advice, guidance, advocacy and support to help our students navigate the various challenges they face. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact by ensuring students have access to the resources, advice, and representation they need to achieve, progress and thrive. If you are committed to creating a positive and inclusive student experience, we look forward to accepting your application!
Though we support and signpost our students regardless of their issue, the majority of our caseload relates to Student Finance and other money issues so applicants with relevant experience and expertise are encouraged to apply. Working within a team of five Advisers to deliver our free, impartial and confidential service, the successful applicant will advise students on primarily Money, Academic and Disciplinary matters. As a dynamic and agile organisation, we always signpost or advocate where we cannot directly advise, and so expect to help students facing challenges from everything from housing to sexual violence.
Our Advice Team advises across telephone, Microsoft Teams and face to face appointments, alongside monitoring a shared email inbox, supporting colleagues with research and data analysis, contributing to and creating various resources and occasionally attending university committees or working groups to provide technical expertise. Occasional weekend and evening work (to support the delivery of Open Days) will be required, as well as occasional work at our sites in Stafford and London. There are two vacancies available, totalling 1.5 FTE. We welcome applications from candidates seeking full-time or part-time hours.
Person Requirements
Essential Criteria
- Proven experience delivering information/advice and managing a caseload, including prioritising effectively, assessing risk, and communicating professionally with students and partners.
- Demonstrable expertise in at least one area relevant to the role (e.g., academic appeals, student finance/welfare benefits, consumer rights, or legal issues).
- Experience supporting individuals facing complex or sensitive matters (e.g., wellbeing, housing, incidents of sexual violence), demonstrating empathy and sensitivity, whilst maintaining appropriate boundaries.
- Ability to advocate on behalf of students and support them through formal processes (e.g., academic or disciplinary procedures), interpreting and applying relevant policies and regulations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication; strong attention to detail in records/case notes; confident use of Microsoft 365 (e.g., Teams, Outlook, Word).
Desirable Criteria
- Experience supervising, supporting or training volunteers or staff.
- Experience providing personal finance/budgeting guidance.
- Experience delivering projects or workshops with clear outcomes and timelines.
- Research and analysis skills to inform information resources, social policy or campaigning.
- Confidence representing the Union at public facing events (e.g., Discovery Days, Offer Holder Days).
- Understanding of the Students Union s values, vision and service delivery.
Details of this role
Hours: We are recruiting two posts totalling 1.5 FTE. The roles are offered on an annualised hours contract, with full-time based on 37 hours per week (1,687 working hours per annum plus 244 hours annual leave). Part-time hours and leave will be calculated on a pro rata basis.
Holiday: 5 Weeks per year plus Bank Holidays pro rata (That's 33 days!)
Start date: April 2026 onwards
Working Hours: Monday to Friday with occasional evenings and weekends
Location: Stoke on Trent Campuses
Salary:£27,640 to £29,922 (Grade 5) depending upon experience (and prorata for part-time positions).
Interviews: 25th March 2026
Closing date: 18th March 2026 at 4pm (We may close this advert ahead of the stated closing date if we receive a high volume of strong applications, so early application is advised)
