Working under the strategic direction of the Head of Student Wellbeing and Experience, and in partnership with the University’s Students’ Association and wider professional services teams, the post holder will contribute to the development of a supportive and inclusive campus environment where students are empowered to thrive academically, personally and socially.

The role has a specific strategic focus on enhancing services and engagement opportunities for the postgraduate student community, while continuing to support and enhance the experience of all students, including undergraduate students. Responsibilities include embedding innovative and inclusive approaches across the University through collaboration, networking, training and sharing good practice. The post holder will work closely with colleagues across the University of Birmingham Dubai and Edgbaston campus to support a consistent, high-quality student experience and contribute to continuous improvement through student insight, feedback and service evaluation.

During teaching terms, the post holder will be required to work flexibly to meet the needs of the student community and the delivery of student experience activities. The working pattern includes Saturday and Sunday working, with two weekday rest days provided. The role requires flexibility throughout the academic year to respond to changing student needs, key university events and periods of increased student engagement activity.

Outside of teaching terms, the working pattern will normally align with standard University working arrangements, with flexibility required to support key activities and operational priorities as needed.

The role requires flexibility to support the University's student experience throughout the academic year.

General

• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• Actively manages equality, diversity and inclusion through monitoring and evaluation and actively challenging unacceptable behaviour.
• Undertake continuous personal and professional development.

Main Duties

Student Experience Support

• Use student insight, feedback, surveys, focus groups and engagement data to identify emerging needs, evaluate impact and inform the continuous improvement of the student experience.
• Lead and contribute to the planning and delivery of Welcome, induction, transition and pre-arrival programmes that support students to successfully integrate into university life and achieve a positive start to their academic journey.
• Develop and deliver inclusive wellbeing campaigns, workshops and engagement initiatives that promote resilience, personal development, community and a positive sense of belonging.
• Work collaboratively with academic and professional services colleagues to embed student wellbeing, engagement and success within the wider student experience, supporting retention, continuation and positive student outcomes.
• Partner with the Students' Association to develop and deliver an engaging programme of co-curricular activities, student leadership opportunities and events that enrich the student experience and foster an inclusive campus community.
• Lead and support the planning and delivery of University-wide and campus events, ensuring activities reflect the needs of a diverse student community and contribute to student engagement and success.
• Develop and coordinate timely, accessible and engaging student communications that promote awareness of opportunities, services and support available throughout the student journey.
• Provide proactive guidance and first-line support to students through the Student Hub and other points of contact, identifying individual needs, promoting self-help and referring students to appropriate specialist services where required.
• Build effective partnerships across the University to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to supporting student wellbeing, engagement and academic success.

Wellbeing Support

• Provide guidance, support and advice to students on matters relating to wellbeing through one-to-one advice appointments, drop-in and via communication.
• Assess the effectiveness of student wellbeing campaigns and activities, using feedback to adapt and refine future initiatives for continuous improvement.
• Deliver proactive early intervention by assessing student needs, identifying potential risks and implementing appropriate support plans to enable students to overcome barriers to engagement, progression and academic success.
• Provide advice and guidance to Students of Determination /Disabled Students and liaising with the UK based Disability Service to implement reasonable adjustments and access requirements.
• Coordinate and deliver regular wellbeing drop-in sessions, ensuring students have accessible opportunities to seek guidance and support throughout the academic year.
• Manage student enquiries through the University's case management system, ensuring accurate and professional responses in line with service standards.
• Complete all reporting activities in a timely manner to inform and support in identifying potential risk and proactive activities.
• Provide guidance and support to students in considering and responding to requests for extensions and extenuating circumstances and other wellbeing related processes.
• Support students and refer them to the appropriate support services as required, for example student mental health and wellbeing services, including exchange students from partner institutions and/or other UoB campuses.
• Provide advice and support to academic colleagues on student wellbeing matters, including Reasonable Adjustments, Extenuating Circumstances and other student support processes, to ensure a coordinated and consistent approach.
• Liaise with, and refer students to the wider support services and specialist services in the University and externally, such as counselling services.

Additional Responsibilities

• To undertake such other duties as may be required from time to time, to further the work of the wellbeing services and the development of the student experience, or the University.
• Assist the Recruitment and Outreach process and events when required (i.e. Open days)
• Take the initiative to develop partnerships with external organizations, other universities, and career development networks to provide students with access to a broader range of opportunities and support services.
• Undertake continuous personal and professional growth and development by actively seeking and engaging in development opportunities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification(s).
• Significant experience of working in a professional environment; relevant experience of supporting young adults in a Higher Education is desirable.
• Understanding of the principles of Safeguarding in relation to adults at risk and under 18s, including knowledge of the Office for Students requirements in relation to harassment and sexual violence.
• High level of knowledge of good practice in relation to disability and mental health within a Higher Education environment.
• Good understanding of current trends and developments in relation to student wellbeing.
• Significant experience of organising a large scale programme of events.
• Experience of supporting students in relation to welfare issues.
• Strong understanding of the student experience, issues, and the student lifecycle and journey.
• Significant knowledge and experience of writing communications for a variety of different audiences.
• Working knowledge of standard and/or advanced Microsoft Office