Job Description:
1.Position Summary
The Student Welfare Officer is responsible for promoting student wellbeing, welfare, inclusion and a positive university experience at HELP University. The role provides a first point of contact for students experiencing personal, social, financial, accommodation, adjustment or other non-academic difficulties that may affect their wellbeing, participation or ability to succeed at university. The officer coordinates appropriate support, provides initial guidance, manages welfare-related cases, and works closely with academic departments, counselling services, campus management, accommodation providers and external agencies where necessary. The position supports HELP University's commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, supportive and student-centered learning environment for a diverse student population.
2. Key Responsibilities
- Welfare case management: Receive, assess, document and follow up on student concerns involving personal or social difficulties, financial hardship, accommodation, peer conflict, bullying, harassment or adjustment to university life.
- Safety and escalation: Recognise urgent risks; coordinate with Student Affairs, Security, Counselling Services and relevant teams; follow approved incident and safeguarding procedures; promptly escalation serious safety, medical or protection concerns.
- Wellbeing and referrals: Provide initial practical guidance, identify support needs and refer students to qualified counsellors, healthcare providers, financial aid, accessibility services or external agencies as appropriate.
- Programmes and engagement: Coordinate wellbeing campaigns, orientation and transition support, outreach and student feedback activities that strengthen inclusion, belonging and early help-seeking.
- Accommodation and practical support: Help students navigate housing concerns, roommate disputes, insurance enquiries and available university assistance, liaising with accommodation providers and relevant departments where appropriate.
- Complaints and conflict: Explain reporting channels, support suitable informal conflict resolution and refer formal complaints, disciplinary matters or investigations to the authorised university office.
- Records and improvement: Maintain secure, accurate case records; prepare concise reports on case trends and outcomes; recommend service improvements; and protect student information in line with applicable laws and university policies.
3. Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, Education, Human Services or a related field.
- Typically 2–3 years' experience in student affairs, student services, welfare, case management, youth support or a related role.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, organisation, documentation and stakeholder coordination skills.
- Good judgement, empathy, cultural sensitivity and ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters professionally.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, digital case management systems and administrative reporting tools.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; Mandarin & Bahasa Malaysia is an advantage.
- Experience in a private higher education institution or supporting international students is an advantage.
4. Key Competencies
- Student-centred service and empathy
- Case management and follow-through
- Risk awareness and escalation
- Conflict resolution
- Cultural sensitivity
- Confidentiality and integrity
- Programme coordination
5. Additional Requirements
- Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends or university events when required, subject to university policy.
- Ability to respond to urgent welfare matters in accordance with approved escalation arrangements.
- Commitment to professional development in student welfare, safeguarding, crisis response and student experience.
- Understanding of relevant Malaysian higher education requirements and applicable privacy, disability and safeguarding obligations.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and refer specialist matters to appropriately qualified personnel.