Queens’ College - Job Description
Title: / College Welfare AdviserGrade: / QCE
Head of Department: / Head of Academic & Tutorial Services
College Officer: / Senior Tutor
Overall Purpose of Job
As a key member of our Student Support Service Team you will assist in the provision of appropriate welfare support, including counselling, to our diverse student population (undergraduates and graduates), and the wider college community. Reporting to the Head of Academic and Tutorial Services, and in close liaison with the other members of the Service, you will respond to the needs of students,offer support to individuals with social, emotional, financial and other difficulties, and assist with resolving their problems so they can continue to pursue their studies successfully.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
•Actively listen and give advice, in confidence, to all members of the college community (students, staff and Fellows); present opportunities for individuals to talk about personal issues including stress, general anxiety, and depression
•Develop strong relationships with other members of thecollege’s Student Support Service, and others concerned with student welfare (e.g. University Counselling Service, University Disability Resources Centreand other external facilities/providers)
•Refer, when necessary, aspects of academic-related problems to the appropriate member of the Student Support Service
•Research and analyse students’ problems and needs, and provide referrals as necessary; evaluate data and write reports such as submissions requesting tutorial funding tosupport individual students
•Conduct student consultations to identify issues, concerns, and aspirations
•Provide appropriate supportrelating to an array of difficulties such as relationship problems, mentalhealth issues, alcohol abuse,while exploring alternative sources of specialist care/advice services available both inside and outside college; maintain suitable on-going support, including monitoring progress and making adjustments to interventions as necessary, referral to other modes of treatment and offering support to students with self-care, medication regimes and relapse prevention programmes
•Assess the risk of students with problems, especially mental health issues and take immediate appropriate action; provide intensive short-term crisis counselling if required
•Assist in developing, evaluating, and maintaining welfare resources and systems; maintain a shared approach to case management, particularly in more complex cases
•In conjunction with other members of the Student Support Service and the MCR/JCR committee members, provide workshops which focus on positive personal well-being, raising mental health awareness, anxiety and stress reduction
•Keep clear, detailed, accurate and confidential records of consultations and related information
•Provide ‘out of hours’ duty phone cover (rota system with other members of the Student Support Service)
•Undertake any other duties or responsibilities associated with the role, as directed by Head of Department and/or College Officer
Person Specification
Skills, Knowledge and Attributes
•Possess appropriate professional qualifications
•Demonstrate relevant experience in a similar role(evidence of current, valid registration to practice required)
•Able to deal effectivelyand appropriately with a wide range of psychological and other problems presented; exercise initiative, discretion and sound judgement at all times
•Be able to gain the respect and confidence of university studentsof all ages by demonstrating an approachable manner
•Understand, and be confident to deal with, the differing range of issues/problems faced by undergraduate and graduate students; able to adopt various methods of support to help resolve problems
•Experience and expertise in assessment of mental health needs and assessment of risk
•Knowledge and understanding of the range of mental health services available including local mental health service provision
•Experience of delivering training or similar workshops relating to mental health and personal wellbeing
•Flexible, well-organised and ‘can-do’ approach to a varied and demanding workload
•Excellent written and oral communication skills
•Proficient computer skills
•Experience of working with students in a collegiate or higher education environment
•Hold a full, clean UK driving licence
•The role will require a clear DBS check
Remuneration and Benefits
Hours of work:30 hours per week, Monday to Friday
There may be a requirement to work additional hours during busy periods and to cover for holiday leave, for which overtime at normal hourly pay rate will be paid or time off in lieu granted
Salary:In the region of£36,897 to £40,270per annum depending on qualifications and experience (pro-rata)
Pension: Membership of College contributory, final salary pension scheme on completion of qualifying period
Holiday: 26 days’ per annum plus public holidays (pro-rata). Holidays should usually be taken outside of full term
Other Benefits Currently Offered:
Free access to College Physiotherapist
Subsidised sports and social events
Subsidised College Nursery
Various sporting facilities
Access to University Card which offers selected discounts, including subsidised travel on Uni 4 bus between Madingley Road Park and Ride and College
After qualifying periods, length of service award and staff benefits including a College subsidy towards health club membership, dental plan, medical insurance, or meals in College
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