Higher education advice worker

Higher Education Advice Workers provide a free, confidential, non-judgemental, independent information, advice and advocacy service on a wide range of issues for current and prospective students.

Candidates wishing to work within the profession will be required to undertake a background disclosure check by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)

What it involves

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 stressful and emotionally demanding.

What’s 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.

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.

Where to find out more

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.