Student Support and Welfare Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Line Manager: Student Support Manager

Location: Nottingham, Park Royal, Slough, Oxford, Brentford

About Oxford Business College

Since 1985, Oxford Business College (OBC) has spearheaded transformative education, carving a unique path for overlooked individuals, especially mature students facing barriers in traditional education. Operating seven days a week for our students, OBC's pioneering approach adapts to the diverse lifestyles & commitments of non-traditional learners. Across campuses in West London, Oxford, & Brentford, OBC's ultra-flexible scheduling ensures inclusivity, reinforced by a robust digital infrastructure. Actively fostering a sense of belonging for students from all backgrounds, we provide comprehensive support services. Emphasising practical skills for employability through industry placements, OBC stands as a dynamic catalyst for change, reshaping higher education with an unwavering commitment to accessibility, flexibility, & inclusivity. With over 7500 students & 300 colleagues, join OBC in shaping the future of education & unlocking opportunities for a diverse range of students.

The role

Student Support and Welfare Officers are responsible to providing students in campuses with all the support and welfare services they need once they have been admitted into the College. They will support students with attendance and engagement with the College, referrals and any administrative/documentary interventions that are required to safeguard and enhance the student experience.

Key Responsibilities

• To ensure that students in their respective campus are fully supported throughout the student journey
• To help students overcome any barriers to learning and to deal effectively and promptly with issues that impact negatively on the student experience
• To help students to solve problems so that they are able to continue with their studies without hindrance
• To support the planning and preparations of enrolments, inductions, the social programme and other key events such as employer engagement seminars
• To monitor, be a physical point of contact and refer students to the Registrar on the following student activities and behaviours:
  • Authorised absence
  • Attendance and Engagement
  • Requests for Authorised Absence
  • Requests for interruption of studies, deferrals and withdrawals
  • Requests for Mitigating Circumstances for assignment submissions
  • Mitigating circumstances
  • Requests for deferrals and withdrawals
  • Assignment submissions, resubmissions and resits
• To provide students with the following services:
  • Proof of Study
  • Council Letters
  • Reference Letters
  • Dissemination of ID cards
• To support and facilitate the Student Voice in their campus
• To refer students to the College Counsellor if required or requested to ensure they receive the best possible help and support they need
• To refer students to specialist support or reasonable adjustments that students may need to remove barriers to learning including disabilities or special needs
• To refer students to workshops and resources that support and encourage them to engage with their studies, succeed on their course and enhance the learning experience
• To refer students to appropriate external agencies as required and/or requested.
• To provide information about student support and welfare services at the College to all students throughout the academic year.
• To remain within service boundaries, including compliance with confidentiality and General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
• To take proactive measures to identify problems and prevent them from reoccurring
• To keep up to date on relevant policies in relations to student support, attendance and engagement, concerns, complaints and enquiries
• To maintain a comprehensive journal of all interactions with students including dates, issues and outcomes
• To provide regular reports to the Student Welfare Manager in their respective campus and/or the Head of Student Support and Welfare.
• To make contributions to the continuous quality improvement plan by collecting information in relation to frontline student support and welfare.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Desirable

• BA (Hons) Degree in a relevant subject
• Experience of working in a similar role
• Training in information advice and guidance (IAG)
• Training in student support and welfare provision

Essential Criteria

• Level 3 qualification(s) e.g. A’ level(s)
• Willing to undertake training as required
• Fluent English language
• Available and willing to work weekends
• Able to handle pressure
• Team working
• Conflict resolution
• Attention to detail
• Good IT knowledge

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above