Student Advisor

The University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education organization in Manchester seeks a committed Student Advisor to provide empathetic, independent advice to students on a range of academic and personal issues. In this full-time, permanent role, you will offer support in crisis situations, create helpful resources, and monitor student trends. The position provides opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a significant impact on students' lives. Hybrid working is available, with a salary range of £27,013 to £30,237 per annum.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with compassion.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations calmly.
• Experience in advice or support roles is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Provide impartial advice on academic, housing, and welfare issues.
• Offer emotional support during crisis situations.
• Develop self-help resources for students.
• Participate in outreach activities to improve access to services.
• Track casework using a management system.
• Collaborate with colleagues across UMSU.

Skills

Communication skills

Emotional resilience

Organizational skills

IT skills

Attention to detail

Job description

We do not accept applications via external websites or CVs via email. Please apply via our website. If you thrive on helping others, solving problems, and making a tangible difference in people's lives, we invite you to join the Advice Service team at the University of Manchester Students' Union (UMSU) as a committed and empathetic Student Advisor. In this vital role, you will provide free, independent, and confidential advice to students across a range of key areas, support them professionally with a high level of empathy, and empower them to take the next steps in their lives.

Responsibilities

• Deliver one‑to‑one support: Provide impartial, confidential advice on academic concerns (appeals, complaints, disciplinaries), housing issues, financial support, and personal or welfare‑related challenges.
• Support in crisis: Offer guidance and emotional support to students experiencing difficult or distressing circumstances, such as mental health issues, sexual violence, harassment, or financial insecurity.
• Create and share resources: Develop accessible self‑help materials (articles, videos, workshops) to empower students and reduce reliance on one‑to‑one services.
• Promote the service: Take part in outreach activities, including campaigns, events, and training, to raise awareness and improve access to advice and support.
• Track and report issues: Use our case management system to record casework clearly and securely, and help monitor trends in student issues to inform future campaigns.
• Collaborate and contribute: Work closely with colleagues across UMSU to support key periods such as Welcome Week and elections, contributing to a supportive and inclusive student experience.

Qualifications & Attributes

• Communicates with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
• Is emotionally resilient and able to manage sensitive or complex situations calmly.
• Understands the importance of impartiality, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Is highly organised with strong attention to detail and time‑management skills.
• Can create clear, engaging written resources and deliver effective presentations.
• Is confident using IT systems and comfortable with data and record keeping.
• Previous experience in advice, welfare, support work, or student services is helpful, but we welcome applications from those with transferable skills and a genuine passion for student support.

About UMSU and this role

At UMSU, you’ll be part of a supportive, inclusive, and values‑driven organisation that champions student empowerment. You will enjoy access to training and continuing professional development, regular opportunities for reflection and wellbeing support, and the chance to make a real and lasting impact in students’ lives.

Remuneration and Details

• Salary: £27,013 – £30,237 per annum
• Contract: Full‑time, permanent (35 hours per week)
• Location: Hybrid working – typically 3+ days per week in our Advice Office on campus
• Eligibility: Open to applicants with relevant skills and experience who are eligible to work in the UK at the start of employment