The University of West London (UWL) is ranked the best modern* university (non-specialist) in London in the Complete University Guide 2023.
We are the top University in the UK for Student Experience and for Teaching Quality in the Times and Sunday Times Complete University Guide 2024 and University of the Year for Social Inclusion in the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The UWL community is a diverse body of students and staff who work together to create an environment of success and achievement. We celebrate the diversity of our staff and promote our values in practice through our commitment to inclusivity, progression, and success.
*University status awarded in or after 1992.
The Department
Student Services is a large multi-disciplinary team that plays a crucial role in supporting our students. Student Money & Immigration Advice comprises advice on Student Finance, UWL’s internal Scholarships and Bursaries and Student visa and immigration advice in order to support international students. We are a tight knit team who help and support each other. We are a hard-working yet sociable and close-knit team who help and support each other to provide a superlative student experience.
The Role
The post holder will be responsible for the development and day-to-day staff management and supervision of an effective and pro-active Student Advice service, sharing these duties with the Senior Student Advisor (Money & Funding). You will also undertake specialist case work in relation to international students and their Student visas, Fee Status assessments, and other issues that might impact the international student experience, their right to study at UWL and their ability to study in London (including but not limited to eVisas, digital statuses and the EU Settlement Scheme; accommodation and financial issues.) While core Student visa knowledge and expertise is invaluable, understanding of other visa routes such as Graduate Route, Skilled Worker and Youth Mobility Scheme visas will be advantageous as we participate in webinar on immigration options after study together with our Careers Service. You will provide casework support to Student Advisors with complex cases and queries from students, using your experience and knowledge to suggest avenues for exploration and resolution.
The post holder will support the Head of Student Money & Immigration Advice with developing initiatives to improve communication and proactively work with the student community, Schools/Colleges and Central Services departments to foster engagement and an understanding of services provided within the Team and Student Services as a whole.
This appointment requires a flexible approach to working hours as occasional weekend and evening cover is required. The role is fully on campus 5 days a week, primarily based at our St. Mary’s Road campus but with cover usually required once or twice a week at our Brentford site.
The Person
A Senior Student Advisor who is self-motivated, proactive, organised and has proven ability to manage and supervise a team, as well as work effectively with conflicting priorities and short timescales. Excellent administrative and time management skills that go hand in hand with line management are an absolute must for this role.
You should have excellent interpersonal, communication, advocacy and customer service skills with proven case work experience and the ability to work closely with students and staff alike. Experience of working in higher education is essential together with extensive knowledge of UKVI regulations and the immigration rules connected to the Student visa route.
You must also have excellent IT skills, working with IT systems to record and report on a wide range of confidential matters within Student Services. A flexible approach to work is essential for this role.
How to Apply
To apply click on ‘Apply Online’ and fill out the application form. Further information about the application process can be found here: https://jobs.uwl.ac.uk/display.aspx?id=1253&pid=0
Please email hr.recruitment@uwl.ac.uk if you need any assistance with the application process.
Interviews are expected to be held in week commencing 11th November 2024.
For informal enquiries about the position please contact Alan Shannon-Smith, Head of Student Money & Immigration Advice: alan.shannon-smith@uwl.ac.uk .
Additional Information
Read more about working at the University of West London at https://www.uwl.ac.uk/about-us/how-university-works/why-work-uwl
UWL is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter, and is a Disability Confident Employer as well as a Diversity Champion for Stonewall, the leading LGBT+ rights organisation. We welcome applications from all sections of the community to increase diversity in our workforce.
Please be advised that it is expected that appointment within a grade will normally be at the minimum point.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.
This position does not meet the University criteria for Skilled Worker sponsorship.
This post is not available for UWL students.
Please be advised that it is expected that appointment within a grade will normally be at the minimum point.
We will intermittently review the applications as part of this open advert, therefore if successful, you will be shortlisted and contacted at any time.
The University of West London reserves the right to close the role prior to this date should a suitable applicant be found.
Previous applicants need not apply.