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. Whether it’s supporting someone through an academic appeal, navigating complex housing issues, managing financial hardship, or dealing with personal challenges, your role is to ensure students feel heard, informed, and empowered to take the next steps.

You’ll be part of a small, dedicated team working in a busy, varied environment that puts student wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

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, 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’re looking 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.