Student Advisor

University of Manchester Students' Union; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A university student organization in Manchester is seeking a compassionate Student Advisor to provide confidential support and advice to students facing academic, welfare, and personal challenges. This full-time role involves managing student interactions with empathy and professionalism, creating helpful resources, and participating in outreach initiatives. Ideal candidates will have excellent communication skills, organizational abilities, and a genuine passion for student support in a hybrid working environment.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team culture

Chance to make a real impact

Qualifications

• Experience in advice, welfare, support work, or student services is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills.
• Ability to create engaging written resources and deliver effective presentations.

Responsibilities

• Provide impartial advice on academic, housing, and welfare issues.
• Offer guidance and emotional support for students in distress.
• Develop accessible self-help resources to empower students.
• Participate in outreach and awareness campaigns.
• Manage casework using the case management system.
• Collaborate with UMSU colleagues for events and support initiatives.

Skills

Empathy

Communication skills

Emotional resilience

Organizational skills

Job description

Please Note: We do not accept applications from external sites or CVs via email. Please apply via the application form here.

Are you someone who thrives on helping others, solving problems, and making a tangible difference in people’s lives? We’re looking for a committed and empathetic Student Advisor to join the Advice Service team at the University of Manchester Students’ Union (UMSU).

In this vital role, you’ll provide free, independent, and confidential advice to students across a range of key areas. We are looking for someone who will be able to support students professionally and with a high level of empathy, ensuring they feel heard, informed, and empowered to take the next steps.

You’ll enjoy this role if you’re interested in the law and getting to grips with regulations, policies and procedures, so you can help students to understand their rights and resolve the problems they face. As a Student Advisor, you will be able to respond sensitively and compassionately to students in distress or facing crisis and will have an ability to give practical and emotional support. Excellent communication skills are essential.

The Advice Service also provides a supported self-help offer and as a team we deliver promotional and preventative campaigns. This role will really suit you if you’re enthusiastic and approachable and would enjoy speaking to students and our stakeholders in a variety of settings. We’re also looking for candidates with an interest for writing social media and website copy and would like to be involved in designing and delivering presentations, interactive stalls, training and workshops.

You’ll be part of a small, supportive and dedicated team, working in a busy, varied environment that puts student wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. You’ll have access to training and continuing professional development to help you excel as a Student Advisor. You’ll also have regular opportunities for reflection and support for your wellbeing, including access to external restorative supervision.

Key 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 like Welcome Week and elections, contributing to a supportive and inclusive student experience.

We’relooking for someone who:

• 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.

The Essentials

• 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

Recruitment Timeline

Applications opened:5th December 2025

Applications close:5th January 2026 23:59

Interviews:16th January 2026 (online option available)

Role Commencing:26th January 2026

We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Once the vacancy has closed, we’re unable to accept late applications to ensure a fair process for all candidates.

Why Join Us?

At UMSU, you’ll be part of a supportive, inclusive, and values-driven organisation that champions student empowerment. We offer opportunities for professional development, a collaborative team culture, and the chance to make a real and lasting impact in students’ lives.

Sound like the right fit? Apply now and join a team that’s here to make student life better.