Union Advisor - Derby, United Kingdom - University of Derby Students' Union

Description

Union Advisor (part time)

Hours of work: 25 hours per week - ideally 5 hours per day Monday to Friday


Location:
Kedleston Road (with travel to Buxton, Chesterfield and Derby sites, as and when required)

The Union of Students University of Derby is looking for a part time Student Advisor.

We, the Union provides advice, advocacy and representation to students who require it, often providing an impartial ear, which the University often cannot.

Our Union advisors act completely independently to the University.

The main purpose of the role is to provide free, impartial, and confidential help and advice to members of the Union whilst promoting the Union Advice service and its awareness campaigns across the University.

If you think, you have what it takes to transform the student experience then we want to hear from you.

• Interviews will be held on
  :Thursday 24th August 2023 on site at Kedleston Road, Derby.

Diversity and Inclusion

• The Union of Students are an equal opportunities employer; and encourage and value diversity for our employees. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement or once in post._
• We champion equal opportunities, equality and dignity in the workplace._

JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATION FOR THE UNION ADVISOR:

Main Purpose of Role

To provide free, impartial, and confidential help and advice to members of the Union whilst promoting the Union Advice service and its awareness campaigns across the University.

DUTIES

Union Advice & Representation:

• To carry out solution focused casework in a professional and impartial manner relating to issues including, but not limited to, academia, welfare, debt, housing and employability
• To provide union representational support to members at University level meetings and hearings relating to academic offences, complaints, disciplinary meetings, meetings with tutors or other University staff
• To make professional referrals to both internal and external services in the city, county and further afield
• To assist members to negotiate with services, staff, agencies etc about issues
• To support strategy and operations to improve the efficiencies and effectiveness of the Advice service which proactively supports, sustains and embeds the welfare provision
• To support the awareness of the Advice service and its provisions to the membership which supports and improves the student experience
• To support the planning, implementation and completion of regular awareness campaigns, circulating posters/cards/information across the University sites and campuses
• To contribute to a bimonthly Advice service report as requested by the Support and Inclusion Manager focusing on trends relating to footfall and engagement
• Prepare for and attend events/awareness days organised by the Support and Inclusion team
• To prepare resources for and attend Freshers' and Refreshers' fairs at Derby sites, and Chesterfield
• To coordinate and run sessions for students attending the annual 'Get Ahead' programme, who have a disability
• To attend and prepare resources for the University 'Welcome Weekend'
• To provide training for staff working at the Union relating to the Advice service as required
• To support the Information and Advice Service desk ensuring this is staffed when required for example to cover for annual leave or sickness absence
• To take part in the preparations of and delivery of training for Union committees and student groups, Officer Trustees, Part-Time Officers

Research & Administration:

• To participate in the use of Advice Pro to ensure that casework is progressing, and accurate data and statistics can be produced for purposes of reporting and meeting legislation in relation to data protection and confidentiality
• To record, monitor and report client statistics in a professional and procedural manner
• To ensure that policy, procedures and standards are supported across the Advice service which meets external legislative and internal requirements
• Regularly monitor the use of the Advice service resources, replenishing resources as required e.g. leaflets, condoms, posters etc
• To prepare publicity and promotional material for the Advice service to use across a variety of communication platforms
• To be aware of any changes to University policies and regulations and make recommendations to officers and staff through the Support and Inclusion Manager
• To support any research required within the Advice service including the utilisation of client need analysis and casework records
• To contribute to the Support and Inclusion team annual report as requested

Working Relationships:

• To support and work alongside Student Living at the University Student Living Housing Event
• To prepare for and attend monthly Support and Inclusion team meetings and supervision sessions with the Advice Manager
• To develop and mainta