Student Services Specialist

Oxford Brookes University; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension

Occupational health service

Gym and sports discounts

On-site nursery

Relocation assistance

Training and development

Staff networks

Job summary

Oxford Brookes University in Oxford is seeking a Specialist Student Support Manager (Study Skills and Mentoring) to lead the Specialist Mentoring and Specialist Tutoring services, focusing on neurodivergent students and those with mental health needs. The role is based at the Headington campus with hybrid working options.

You will manage a team of mentors and tutors, ensure high-quality, compliant service delivery, and collaborate with colleagues across Inclusive Support and Student Support

Qualifications

• Professional qualification or NMH membership required by Non-Medical help Qualifications matrix.
• Experience leading a team.
• Ability to assess and support students with diverse needs.
• Ability to manage risk and respond to crises calmly.
• Ability to monitor service delivery and maximise support access.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of in-house and freelance specialist mentors or tutors.
• Ensure services meet internal and external standards.
• Handle a caseload providing specialist support to students with diverse needs.
• Oversee risk assessment and management for tutoring and mentoring.
• Collaborate with Student Support Services to meet service outcomes.

Skills

Team leadership

Risk management

Crisis response

Student support

Monitoring & evaluation

Education

Professional qualification or NMH membership

Job description

Specialist Student Support Manager (Study Skills and Mentoring)

Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward thinking institution rooted in, and connected to, a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised university focused on providing high-quality teaching and delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new, and excelling in education and research.”

Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.

In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze Award and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.

The role

Located at our Headington campus and reporting to the Head of Inclusive Support, the Specialist Student Support Manager (Study Skills and Mentoring) oversees the delivery of our Specialist Mentoring and Specialist Tutoring services. The role ensures that neurodivergent students and individuals with mental health needs receive professional, high-quality support aligned with the current developments in the sector and tailored to their specific requirements. This is a full time role, however part-time or job share may be considered.

About the team

Operating primarily during semesters, Specialist Tutors and Mentors deliver tailored one-to-one support to students, largely funded through Disabled Students’ Allowance. Team members hold high-level qualifications and actively maintain their professional body memberships and continuing professional development in accordance with the Non-Medical help Qualifications matrix. To offer cohesive, integrated support, the teams collaborate closely with Advisers and colleagues across Inclusive Support as well as the broader Student Support Services department.

What will I be doing?

• Management of a team of in-house and freelance specialist mentors or Tutors, and Senior Mentor or Tutor(s).
• Ensure quality services are delivered to meet any internal or external standards.
• Manage a caseload of work with a range of students, providing specialist support to enable students to develop or apply strategies and skills for managing the impact of their condition on their engagement with learning and the broader student experience.
• Manage the risk assessment and management processes relating to students in receipt of tutoring or mentoring, collaborating with wider department colleagues in order to support students with complex needs and act as a point of escalation.
• Work closely with other staff in Student Support Services, through service meetings and other means to ensure service outcomes are met and students’ needs are met.

What skills do I need?

• A professional qualification and/or professional body membership as required by the Non-Medical help Qualifications matrix is essential.
• Ability to lead and manage a team.
• Ability to manage risk, work under pressure and respond to individuals in crisis or distress in a calm and professional manner.
• Ability to support students with diverse needs, building supportive relationships, maintaining appropriate boundaries and working towards outcomes.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate service delivery, for example ensuring that DSA income is maximised and students can access support without delay.

About the location

Based at our Headington campus, you’ll experience the vibrant campus atmosphere and benefit from our modern office environment. This role will be hybrid with some home working permitted; at least half your time will be required to be on site and you will need to be flexible to increase this to meet service demand.

Interviews are expected to take place on 30 October 2026.

As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 bank holidays and additional university concessionary days (normally 5 per year).

We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.

We have an extremely competitive Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, as well as providing all staff with access to an occupational health service, financial education, and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.

We prioritise the wellbeing of our employees - physically, mentally and financially - and we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.

In addition, all employees have access to:

• Discounted rates for the university sports and gym facilities
• An on-site nursery (at Headington Campus; waiting lists for some ages)
• Discounted travel options
• Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles, subject to terms of the scheme)
• Training and development opportunities
• A connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks, which instil a sense of community and offer employees a space for support, guidance and friendship, making Brookes a vibrant and inclusive place to work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.

As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.