Wellbeing Support Coordinator

Job responsibilities

• Work within service standards and University procedures to provide information, advice and guidance to students and prospective students on disability related topics including applying for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) or other financial assistance and support arrangements via appointments, emails, - telephone and video call
• To support a caseload of students with disabilities including those with mental health related disabilities/illnesses with regards to reasonable adjustments, working with colleagues to ensure no student is disadvantaged in accordance with the Equality Act (2010).
• Undertake triage processes to determine the most appropriate support options for students who present with mental health and wellbeing needs, considering onward referral to Life Lounge counselling, CBT and/or mental health advisor services, alongside consideration of referral and/or signposting to external agencies where appropriate. Using both clinical and non-clinical tools, the post holder will conduct triage assessments, ensuring that safeguarding and risk are carefully considered throughout the process.
• Where appropriate, maintain contact with students following the triage process until engagement with professional services commences, offering interim wellbeing support where need indicated.
• Provide basic financial advice, information and guidance to applicants and students through one-to-one appointments, group sessions, email, online chat and by telephone and refer to specialist when appropriate.
• Handle a high volume of emails, post, telephone, and personal enquiries responding directly to routine matters and referring specific enquiries to appropriate members of staff obtaining information from other departments if necessary. The ability to prioritise and multi-task is essential to the post holder.
• To develop and deploy specialist skills and knowledge of disability/mental health advisory work when attending staff meetings, taking part in case load discussions, and taking an active role in team development e.g., leading a case review meeting with relevant staff.
• To act as a Senior Designated Safeguarding Champion (SDSC) for Student Services and to provide Safeguarding advice to all stakeholders including staff within the University Medical School. To have a sound understanding of Safeguarding principles and know when it is appropriate to implement safeguarding procedures including reporting concerns for welfare/liaising with Social Services.
• Analyse, take ownership of and resolve the problems presented by stakeholders and as necessary referring them to third parties either within, or external to the University.
• Undertake a full range of clerical and administrative duties to support Student Services, which includes report writing, minute taking, preparation of materials for meetings, the maintenance of webpages and the production of promotional materials, and guidance.
• To operate the Universitys Student Record system to maintain and review information. To review the use of the Student Record system and its scope for future developments.
• To produce relevant supporting documentation for students where need indicated, for example, routine student letters, supporting information for mitigating circumstances applications and letters to GPs and/or relevant external agencies.
• To, prepare and produce standard reports and statistics as required; inputting, extracting, and manipulating data from spreadsheets, databases, and the Student Record system at the direction of the Student Services and Experience Management Team.
• Keep abreast of developments and legislation both internally and externally to enable accurate and relevant advice and guidance is given to colleagues. Keep up to date with best practice in relation to students with mental health conditions in line with Student Services strategic plan and current legislation.
• Collaborate with colleagues to enhance service delivery and ensure students receive clear guidance on how to access support services. Clear understanding of professional boundaries and limitations, knowing when to undertake onward referral where appropriate, to services that support the academic, pastoral, social, and mental wellbeing needs of students.
• Drafting and sharing reports on student engagement and feedback data with the department and wider University structure.
• Help coordinate the administration and delivery of Welcome and Induction activities for students at the University Medical School, utilising programme inductions to raise awareness of the support accessible to students.
• Understand professional boundaries and know when it is appropriate to refer a student to a colleague within or outside of the department or university. To be fully conversant with internal referral processes and where appropriate and with consent to make a referral on behalf of a student.
• Identify trends in service demand from all stakeholder contacts and to highlight/share this information with the appropriate team and/or line manager.
• Participate in University events and activities including but not limited to: enrolment, open days, graduation, induction and other Student Services and Experience events as required.
• Ensure a safe working environment and abide by the University Health and Safety policies and to observe the Universitys Equal Opportunities Policy.
• Plan, manage, and support the delivery of strategic projects and initiatives through to successful completion.
• To work flexibly as part of the Student Services team, working across and with other teams based at the main Deane Road campus, this may include supporting students of other schools or faculties who are accessing Student Support Services.
• Attend and participate in work related training and attend staff development activities, which may take place off campus and include an overnight stay.
• Ensure and maintain integrity and confidentiality of data and associated data protection requirements in line with statutory and corporate requirements.
• Awareness of environmental and sustainability issues and a commitment to the Universitys associated strategy with respect to the performance / delivery of key responsibilities of the role.

Experience

Essential

• - Credible experience of providing support, advice and guidance to students/clients experiencing mental health difficulties, to include clients with complex needs, high risk/crisis management
• -Proven experience in conducting mental health triage assessments to determine appropriate referral pathways, including the ability to assess when counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or alternative mental health or wellbeing interventions are most suitable.
• -Proven track record of implementing high quality disability advice with specific requirements in a HE/FE environment.
• -Sound analytical, creative and pragmatic problem-solving skills, with experience of contributing to the development and improvement of systems and procedures
• -Credible experience of documenting standard operating procedures and policy writing
• - Experience of working in a customer focussed environment and delivering exceptional customer service, demonstrating sound liaison skills with both internal and third parties
• - Relevant administrative and information, advice and guidance experience working in Higher Education
• - Credible experience of managing projects from conception through to implementation, evaluation and analysis.
• - Experience of assessing risks either in the workplace or risks associated with an individual, their behaviour and/or disability

Desirable

• - Previous experience working within a Medical School or other medical professional environment.

Skills / Knowledge

Essential

• - Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, demonstrating appropriate communication and advanced interpersonal skills, verbally and electronically with the ability to deal calmly with students who may be difficult, distressed and/or demanding
• - Excellent time management and credible caseload management skills and experience of prioritising competing demands with minimum supervision
• -Excellent verbal and written communication skills e.g. the ability to communicate effectively and explain standard service procedures concisely to students, staff at all levels and external colleagues
• - Highly competent in the use if IT e.g. proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Access, Teams, Video Conferencing Platforms, PowerPoint, email and Outlook Calendars etc. with experience of creating new systems for monitoring and data collection
• - Able to maintain a helpful and cooperative manner when dealing with difficult situations and working under pressure
• - An ability to identify risks/vulnerabilities and sound knowledge of Safeguarding Legislation and practices
• - Up to date working knowledge of disability legislation and its application within HE (Equality Act 2010) and the impact of non-compliance

Desirable

• - An understanding of the professional requirements of the MB ChB programme, including knowledge of regulatory bodies such as the General Medical Council and Health Education England.
• - An understanding of the student journey within the MB ChB programme and ability to provide relevant support during transition points.
• - Knowledge of the UK Foundation Programme and the processes involved in supporting medical graduates entering training programmes.

Qualifications

Essential

• - Educated to Degree Level in Social Care, Mental Health Nursing or Psychology with equivalent professional qualification/credible experience of working in Student Support, Social Services or Mental Health Services
• - Educated to GCSE, grade C or equivalent in English and Mathematics, or equivalent standard of education
• -Mental Health First Aid qualification or the willingness to achieve this within the first 12 months of employment