Student
Services
Department.
Outreach and UK/EU Recruitment, Student Services
Programme: Higher Education Preparation Programme (HEPP)
Role: Student Ambassador
OverviewThe University is involved in a wide range of Outreach Projects, working with local schools and colleges, and is currently recruiting students to work as Ambassadors for the HEPP academic skills programme.
This programme helps students to develop a range of academic skills that will prepare them for HE level study. Its aims are to support students at the post-16 stage, aiming to impact positively on their attainment at this level; and to improve progression into and throughout degree level study.
Provision is aimed primarily at students studying for a range of post-16 qualifications such as A-level, Diploma, BTEC and EPQ. Students in Years 12 and 13 are being targeted but some events are also being offered to Year 9, 10 and 11 pupils.
The programme includes:
●Study skills workshops delivered at university or in schools/colleges covering reading, research, writing, exam revision, time management, critical thinking and other key academic skills
●Full day visits to the university to introduce students to university level study, including working with current undergraduates, campus tours and study skills workshops
Working as a HEPP Student Ambassador is a position that comes with responsibilities to contribute to the academic development of post-16 students. Whilst there are no regular working hours for this role, there are around 60 events per academic year requiring from 2 to 10 workers at a time, so Ambassadors are encouraged to find a balance between HEPP work and their other commitments. However, it is a paid role and, as such, we expect a high level of reliability from all Ambassadors.
It is, of course, a role which should be personally rewarding, as well as one which will enhance your CV by demonstrating key employability skills, as it is one of many extra-curricular activities and awards that the University can include in your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) – a comprehensive record of your university achievements, which recognises extra-curricular achievement as well as academic learning. You can use your HEAR to help you identify and reflect on the strengths and skills you are developing, and to provide employers and others with evidence of your university learning and experiences. Working on HEPP events is also of particular relevance to anyone wanting to go on to work in a school environment or with young people in any context; plus it will benefit your own academic skills development.
Job DescriptionMain Duties and Responsibilities
●Work alongside other Ambassadors in classroom settings, both on campus and when visiting schools/colleges, to facilitate academic skills based group discussions and activities as directed by the session leader
●Conduct bespoke campus tours with small groups of up to 20 visitors, as required by specific visit itineraries
●Work with young people to help raise their aspirations, motivation and standards of performance in school, as well as helping them to develop their confidence, time management and study skills. You will also seek to encourage an understanding and interest in the opportunities offered by Further and Higher Education, as appropriate to the age group
●Have opportunities to help develop subject-specific session content as required by the Programme Co-ordinator
●Be willing to attend induction and training as necessary to fulfil competently the role of Ambassador
●Be willing to sign up for events, as advertised, to fit in with your existing timetable and commitments (there is no minimum number of events that must be worked)
●Liaise with the HEPP team at the University to sign up for work opportunities and notify the Programme Co-ordinator immediately if you become unable to work at an event for which you have previously committed to work
●Communicate enthusiasm for learning in general and for your subject in particular
●Be a good role model and act as an ambassador for Higher Education, and the University of Sheffield
●Be punctual, reliable, well organised, conscientious, thoughtful and helpful
●Comply with schools/colleges’ expectations regarding appropriate dress and appearance
●All other duties, commensurate with the level of the post
Person SpecificationApplicants should provide evidence in their applications that they meet the following criteria. We will use a range of selection methods to measure candidates’ abilities in these areas including reviewing your on-line application, seeking references, inviting shortlisted candidates to interview and other forms of assessment action relevant to the post.
Criteria/ Essential / Desirable
Knowledge
1. / Knowledge of personal and educational issues facing young people / X
2. / Understanding of Widening Participation in the context of Higher Education / X
Skills
3. / Ability to relate to young people and a desire to support them in their personal progress and learning / X
4. / An excellent communicator and active listener / X
5. / A reliable and committed individual, with the ability to adapt to new circumstances
6. / An approachable and non judgemental individual with the ability to empathise with others / X
7. / A proactive individual with the ability to work alone, and on own initiative, or as part of a team / X
8. / A mature approach to dealing with confidential and sensitive situations and issues / X
Experience
9. / Personal experience of the UK school and qualification system at GCSE level and above / X
10. / Experience of communicating with people from a wide range of backgrounds / X
11. / Experience of working with young people / X
Qualifications
12. / A current student at the University of Sheffield studying towards a higher education qualification / X
13. / Grade ‘C’ or above in GCSE Mathematics, and English Language and/or English Literature / X
Applications are welcomed from all who meet the above criteria. However, priority will go to applicants who are from a widening participation background; groups that are under-represented in Higher Education and from those who, through personal experience, can demonstrate the ability to overcome adversity and motivate others.
Further InformationThe post is part-time, with varied hours per week dependent upon school/college bookings and Ambassadors’ availability to work. HEPP events run from 1st September to 31st July, so some work opportunities fall outside of standard university semester dates. A central record of all HEPP events is kept on a Google calendar that is shared with all participants, with work opportunities advertised via email and assigned on a ‘first reply-first booked’ basis unless specific subject expertise is required.
Participants should be ready to attend initial training sessions as required, for which attendance is paid at the lower rate. Shadowing of events is also encouraged prior to Ambassadors signing up for work opportunities – attendance at these events is paid at the activity appropriate rate.
Rates of pay (as of 1st August 2014):
£7.65 per hour (+ £0.92 holiday pay) for campus tours, training and travel time (where indicated) and basic event assistance
£8.02 per hour (+ £0.96 holiday pay) for assisting with pre-planned events involving elements of group work and teaching delivery
£8.64 per hour (+ £1.04 holiday pay) for independent delivery of specific parts of pre-planned events and preparation of self-written subject-specific resources as requested by the Programme Co-ordinator
No previous experience is necessary, but all successful applicants will need to attend a full suite of training to prepare them for the role. Additionally, due to the nature of the role, all successful candidates will be required to undergo a full Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for the HE Preparation Programme, US in Schools and/or Discover US programmes, we strongly recommend that you attendone ofour pre-application Recruitment Briefing sessions where you will have the opportunity to meet the programme co-ordinators and find out more details about the various roles available.
Briefings: Monday 16th March 2015 - 9-10am, 12-1pm & 4-5pm
Closing date: 4pm Wednesday 22 April 2015 (shortlisting 28-29 April 2015)
Interviews: Tuesday 9 June 2015 & Wednesday 10 June 2015
(all venues to be confirmed)
To apply, please go to:
We will contact all applicants by email to let them know the result of their application.
The recruitment process for the Higher Education Preparation Programme runs in conjunction with recruitment for the US in Schools and Discover US outreach programmes and is advertised with the Student JobShop via MyVacancies. There is a shared application form for all three programmes, so you can apply for whichever one(s) you are interested in - just tick the relevant boxes to declare your choices.
Informal enquiries: Denise Brooks 0114 222 1383 (office)
0771 812 0715 (work mobile)