Content Warning: We want to ensure that all candidates for this role are aware of potential triggers associated with the responsibilities of this position before they apply. Working in the Advice Service, you may encounter situations or discussions that could evoke strong emotional responses or discomfort for certain individuals. The job description below and the attached PDF will detail some of the topics that you may encounter. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the nature of this role and its potential triggers, please don't hesitate to reach out for clarification. There is support is available during the role for when difficult or sensitive topics may impact you.

We are looking for Advice Service Assistants who are passionate about providing effective support as the first point of contact for students accessing the Students’ Union Advice Service. The Students’ Union Advice Service offers non-judgemental, independent, confidential advice to students at the University of Manchester. Our four main areas of advice are academic, finance, housing and student life. Our aim is to empower students to understand and exercise their rights and options in all areas of their time at University.

Our Advice Service Assistant plays a crucial role in this. A typical shift will include:
• Greeting students in person and over the telephone
• Signposting and answering straightforward questions from students
• Booking appointments for Advisors
• Recording enquiries using a case management system (AdvicePro)

You will be working with some students who are facing difficult or complex circumstances. The role can involve mention of sexual violence, hate crime and discrimination, drug and alcohol use and misuse, bereavement, and other subjects that may be distressing. There will be opportunities for reflection on these cases and support for your wellbeing.

The Advice Service Assistant role is mainly office / desk based. There will be some physical aspects when delivering events or promotion e.g. setting up a stall.

We are looking for individuals who can work 10 or more hours per week, depending on service need. Advice Service Assistant shifts typically take place between Mon – Fri, 9.45am-4pm, with a 6pm finish on Thursdays in term time. 

You will need experience of working in a customer-facing role and of deadline with difficult or sensitive situations calmly. Advice Service Assistants have a thorough understanding of and ability to uphold confidentiality, and excellent organisation and communication skills. We are looking for individuals that are friendly, empathetic and able to prioritise enquiries as appropriate.

Eligibility

Students at the University of Manchester, graduating in Summer 2025 or later.

Working at UMSU

Staff Benefits

You'll get access to our great staff benefits;

Holiday Pay
Training and development opportunities, including access to our eLearning platform
Flexible working and hybrid working opportunities
Free NUS 1-year student card
Free/Subsidised Manchester Academy gig tickets
Contribution to eyecare such as glasses and contact lenses (for roles where you are using a computer screen)
Access to our employee assistance programme, including 6 free counselling sessions
25% discount in our onsite bar and café - 532 Bar & Kitchen and Corridor Coffee
Access to our cosy staff Community Space which has free breakfast and lunch for you whilst you are in the office

Wage: £12 per hour + holiday pay

Contract: Zero Hours, Fixed-Term until 31st July 2025

Hours: approximately 6-10 hours per week

Please read the full job description and person specification before applying, as well as our guide to recruitment.

Recruitment Guide

We have a guide that explains our full recruitment process. We recommend reading through this before beginning an application.

Please do not use AI to write your answers unless you need to for accessibility reasons. Your answers must be personal to you, and provide detailed examples related to your own skills, experiences and knowledge.

If you are invited to interview with us, we will share our interview questions in advance so you can prepare your responses. We’re more interested in hearing about your experiences and ideas than in testing your memory, and so we want you to feel as prepared as possible.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

We are committed to equality of opportunity and we work hard to ensure we appoint based on merit.

We particularly encourage applications from Disabled or Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African candidates as these groups are currently underrepresented in our staff team.

Recruitment Timeline

Applications opened on 12th April 2024 and will close on 10th May at 23:59.

We may close applications early, so we recommend that you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We will contact all draft applicants two hours before we close the role early if this happens.

We aim to interview on / around 27th May 2024.

The role is expected to commence in June 2024. 

Any questions? Please email us at jobs.su@manchester.ac.uk