Are you an excellent communicator with experience of working with students in higher education?

The Arts and Humanities Division at the University of Kent is looking for a Student Support Officer to join their team for this fixed term maternity cover role. With supervisory responsibility for other student support staff, you will work collaboratively to deliver a student-facing pastoral service which makes a positive and measurable contribution to our students' experience and academic attainment.

Empathetic, organised and proactive, you will be able to demonstrate sound judgement and sensitivity in dealing with a range of issues faced by our students, maintaining a high standard of customer-focused support at all times.
As Student Support Officer you will:
• provide support and guidance to both undergraduate and postgraduate students requiring non-academic advice, including drop-ins and regular support meetings
• make referrals to, and communicate with, other University departments that offer support services to students so that students with difficulties receive a seamless support experience
• co-ordinate and deliver induction events during welcome week and other student support events and activities
• supervise relevant staff, providing clear objectives in consultation with the Student Support Manager
To succeed in this role you will have:
• substantial experience of working in a student facing role in higher education
• the ability to advise on a wide range of student pastoral issues and the ability to judge when to refer to specialists
• line management/supervisory experience and the ability to motivate and supervise staff effectively
• excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to show empathy with students who face difficulties, whatever their background or circumstances

The Division of Arts and Humanities is a thriving academic community with a strong tradition of interdisciplinarity. Our work spans architecture, the creative arts and design, languages and linguistics, history and archaeology, literature, music, philosophy and religion.

The University of Kent is a distinctive and attractive place to work. We employ around 6,000 staff, including academic and research staff and a full range of support and administration staff. Our stunning main campus in Canterbury, Kent was founded in 1965 and is set among green and tranquil open space overlooking the spectacular Cathedral. Our staff enjoy competitive salaries, an occupational pension scheme, generous holiday entitlements and a great working environment.
Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact the Resourcing Team at jobs@kent.ac.uk quoting ref number:AHUM-021-21

Further details:
Please note that we prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward
Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.
The University of Kent values diversity and promotes equality at all levels
Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, all interviews will take place remotely.
From 1 January 2021, non-British and non-Irish nationals who do not already hold a UK immigration status will be required to obtain a visa in order to be able to work in the UK. A new points-based system will be implemented which will treat EEA and non-EEA citizens equally. For further information please visit the UK Visas & Immigration website.