Higher education advice worker

Higher education advice worker job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Advice workers are employed by colleges of further/higher education and universities. They offer an advocacy service to students and staff working for the organisation. There is some variation in responsibilities between organisations, although key duties of the job include:

• interviewing clients
• providing advice about debt/finance, health, disability, disciplinary matters, personal problems, academic studies, welfare benefits, employment, housing issues etc
• assessing problems
• writing reports
• producing information for publications/web pages
• mediating on a students’ behalf with landlords, banks, academic staff or other students
• providing legal representation at court cases, disciplinary hearings and tribunals
• maintaining information systems
• compiling statistics
• researching cases
• giving talks
• interpreting legislation
• maintaining confidential case records
• ensuring impartiality and confidentiality when dealing with clients
• keeping up-to-date with appropriate legislation and policies.

Referral and liaison with other internal departments and/or external organisations is a key feature of the work. Dealing with large numbers of enquiries from students that may be in crisis situations can make the work emotionally demanding.

Vacancies are advertised in local, regional and national newspapers, Adviser Magazine, the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureau (NACAB) mailings and the Federation of Independent Advice Centres’ fortnightly job lists. Speculative approaches to employers are advisable, particularly for work experience placements.

Qualifications and training required

A minimum of one year full-time relevant paid or voluntary work experience is essential prior to entry into the profession. This can be gained by helping in a local advice centre, citizens advice bureau or students union welfare office. Personality and relevant experience are usually more important than qualifications, although a degree in law, counselling, guidance, psychology, education, social/community work, public administration or social sciences can be helpful.

Key skills for higher education advice workers

Resourcefulness, empathetic listening skills and good communication, analytical, presentation, organisational and teamwork skills are essential, as is a mature, confident, caring and patient manner. Knowledge and/or experience of relevant legislation is also useful.