Harassment Support Worker, Inclusion team

TN United Kingdom; Colchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A unique opportunity for University staff to volunteer as Harassment Support Workers, providing confidential advice and support to colleagues. This role involves advising clients on harassment issues, guiding them to appropriate resources, and participating in training and network meetings.

Qualifications

• Experience working with diverse staff and students.
• Complete the 'How We Work at Essex' online training.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients reporting harassment or bullying.
• Identify appropriate support options for clients.
• Maintain accurate records of meetings and advice given.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Confidentiality

Empathy

Independence

Job description

Harassment Support Worker, Inclusion team, Colchester

Internal staff volunteer and development role only

The University of Essex's Inclusion team offers a unique professional development opportunity for University staff members interested in supporting colleagues through a confidential listening and advice service via the University of Essex Report and Support System.

We seek volunteers with some experience in resolving issues and guiding others to appropriate support. This role is not counselling but involves advising and signposting staff to address various concerns through the Report and Support system.

Volunteers will receive training relevant to the role and will join a network of other Harassment Support Workers for support and advice. The commitment typically involves covering the Harassment Advisement Network inbox and Report and Support Dashboard approximately once every six weeks, with additional time for specific cases.

Line managers must approve applications and are encouraged to collaborate with applicants to allocate sufficient time for the role. Further discussions regarding weekly hours can be arranged. Queries may be directed to the Inclusion team.

Department

The role is supervised by the Chair of the Harassment Report and Support Service and supported by the Inclusion team within People and Culture.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients reporting harassment or bullying, providing information on how to address their concerns;
• Identify appropriate support options for clients;
• Be aware of internal and external services offering counselling, support, or legal advice;
• Understand equalities legislation and university policies;
• Maintain accurate records of meetings and advice given;
• Take responsibility, on a rota basis, as the first responder to clients accessing the service;
• Attend monthly network meetings;
• Participate in training sessions when required;
• Raise awareness of the Harassment Report and Support service.

Skills and Qualifications

• Experience working with diverse staff and students;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work independently;
• Maintain confidentiality according to policy;
• Handle clients professionally and empathetically;
• Complete the 'How We Work at Essex' online training, including the EDI section.

Additional Information

• Supervised by the Chair of the Harassment Report and Support Service and supported by the Inclusion team, within People and Culture;
• This is a voluntary role with a one-week rota system for monitoring the inbox and dashboard;
• Applications should be sent to Bhavya Jhaveri, Senior Inclusion Manager and EDI Lead, with a completed application form. For informal inquiries, contact the Inclusion Team or Kim Berry, current Harassment Support Worker.