Student Support Officer (Loans & Accommodation)

Southern Cross University; Lismore; On-site; AUD 78,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% employer superannuation

Job summary

Southern Cross University is seeking a Student Support Officer (Loans & Accommodation) to work with staff, students and external accommodation providers to deliver quality off-campus accommodation options and support. You'll assist students with their financial needs through the administration of student loans and financial hardship support.

Combining administrative capabilities with empathy and sound judgement, you'll help students navigate financial challenges, access suitable housing and make

Qualifications

• Qualification in finance, business admin, education or related field with knowledge of financial aid programs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with diverse backgrounds.
• Experience interpreting legislation and policies; ability to escalate when needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with off-campus accommodation options and tenancy guidance.
• Administer student loans and financial hardship applications.
• Refer students to community housing and hardship services.
• Provide financial literacy workshops and guidance.
• Develop student-focused resources and digital content.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Financial literacy

Stakeholder management

Education

Finance or related field

Tools

CRM platforms

Microsoft Office

Job description

Student Support Officer (Loans & Accommodation)

• Be part of a supportive and inclusive student experience
• Combine financial services, accommodation and student support

Be Bold. Belong. Be More.

At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you.

A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it’s about the heart, connectedness and community you’d hope for in a regional university. But there’s also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you.

You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great.

Your opportunity

Our Stay Well, Student Support team is seeking a Student Support Officer (Loans & Accommodation) to work closely with staff, students and external accommodation providers to deliver quality off‑campus accommodation options and support. You'll also provide comprehensive assistance to students with their financial needs through the administration of student loans and financial hardship support.

Combining strong administrative capabilities with empathy and sound judgement, you'll help students navigate financial challenges, access suitable accommodation and make informed decisions throughout their university journey.

You will make an impact by:

• Supporting domestic and international students to source off‑campus accommodation, referring to community housing and financial hardship services, advising on tenancy rights and obligations, and advocating for students throughout the rental process.
• Monitoring and improving the UniStays platform, maintaining relevant accommodation information and building relationships with accommodation providers and University stakeholders to resolve issues and support student placements.
• Administering student loans and financial hardship applications, including assessing eligibility, managing disbursements and repayments, and supporting students to navigate their financial options.
• Providing individualised financial guidance and delivering financial literacy workshops, helping students develop financial plans and access scholarships, grants and other support opportunities.
• Developing student‑focused resources, communications and digital content, promoting accommodation and financial support services, and driving continuous improvement across operational processes.

What you will bring

You're a compassionate professional who genuinely enjoys helping people navigate challenging circumstances. You bring a high level of empathy, understanding and resilience, with the ability to build trust, communicate sensitively and confidently hold difficult conversations with students experiencing financial hardship or housing uncertainty. You understand the importance of trauma‑informed language and a considered approach when supporting people from diverse backgrounds, often in complex or vulnerable situations. To succeed in this role, you will also need:

• A qualification in finance, business administration, education, or a related field with demonstrated knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and regulations and an understanding of, or willingness to learn about, student loan processes and repayment options.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds, demonstrate empathy and manage sensitive or challenging conversations.
• Experience interpreting and applying legislation, policies and procedures, with the ability to provide accurate advice and identify when matters require escalation.
• Demonstrated administrative and organisational skills, including experience using business systems, CRM platforms and Microsoft Office, with the ability to manage competing priorities independently.
• Strong problem‑solving, negotiation and relationship‑building skills, with a proactive and solutions‑focused approach.

Why Southern Cross University

SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you’ll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership— to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you’ll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It’s about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we’re integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world.

Your opportunity is:

• Full‑time, continuing (permanent)
• Located at either Gold Coast, QLD 4225, or Lismore, NSW 2480
• HEW Level 4. The base salary ranges from $77,765 - $83,511 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $97,707.

You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work‑life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it’s like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University?

• Be part of a supportive and inclusive student experience
• Combine financial services, accommodation and student support
• Enjoy 17% employer superannuation

Be more with Southern Cross University today

Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information.

Applications close 11.30pm AEDT, Sunday 29 November 2026.

Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process reach out to ****@scu.edu.au.