Details
1080724
University of Northampton
27/05/2024
3 Months
Monday - Friday - 37 hours a week
Smart Casual
Pay
£13.03
£1.89
Description
Role
The International Student Assistant will be responsible for the provision of specialised advice and information to international students during their studies through appointments, drop-in sessions
and emails.
The purpose of this role is to enhance the level of support offered to international
students to ensure an excellent student experience at the University of Northampton.
The post holder will ensure that they work within the confines of UK Visas and Immigration policies and practices to ensure that accurate advice and guidance is given to students.
The post holder will be responsible for the engagement monitoring of international students working closely with other members of the International Student Support Services team to identify students
who are non-engaging.
The post holder is responsible for demonstrating the University’s commitment to the highest quality customer service and to a super supportive culture, as well as for delivering an efficient and effective
service that provides maximum benefit within the resources available.
Duties and responsibilities
• To provide specialist immigration advice up to OISC level 1 to students in line with all areas of the Points Based System through appointments, drop-ins and emails
• To provide accurate advice to University staff on matters related to immigration and
international student welfare.
• To make assessments and issue Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for continuing students and students returning to study.
• To provide high quality, accurate and personalised advice to students on repeating modules, student visa extensions, changes of immigration status, working restrictions and placements.
• To deliver workshops and presentations on immigration issues for students and staff
• To monitor the engagement of students through the University’s attendance and engagement system. To identify students who are failing to engage and work together with the student to help them re-engage ensuring that compliance of the University’s Sponsor Licence is upheld
whilst considering the best interest of the student.
• To assist with the enrolment of international students ensuring that students hold the correct immigration status to study and identifying students who cannot study
• To develop and maintain effective and strong working relationships with other colleagues across the University such as Students’ Union, Student Support and Advice Team, Admissions, Student Records, Placements, Assessments, Ceremonies and Exams.
• To contribute towards the delivery of the International Student Orientation Programme and social events.
• To contribute towards the ongoing development of social media platforms.
• To consider and make decisions on Authorised Absences ensuring outcomes are
communicated appropriately
• To coordinate the arrival data of new students arriving to the university, ensuring that key departments are notified of their arrival.
• To work closely with colleagues in International Student Support Services and other professional services staff to deliver activities that improve student engagement and immigration knowledge
• To update the content of the International Student Support web pages and Student Hub webpages.
• To maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant UKVI policy and practice, through attending relevant external training events
• To assist in maintaining confidential enquiry records and case-notes in line with OISC and UKCISA codes of practice and logging onto internal systems in accordance with agreed procedures
• To liaise with appropriate external groups and organizations’ as necessary, including UKCISA and UKVI
• To ensure the University’s compliance with its Student Sponsor Licence is being upheld
• To contribute to the ongoing development of the International Student Support Services team
• To ensure personal adherence to data protection legislation
• To take responsibility for keeping knowledge of UKVI’s policy’s and practice
• To develop and maintain effective working relationships within the University and with relevant external agencies
• The post holder will be expected to undertake other responsibilities and tasks as reasonably requested by the Head of Student Services
• The post holder will be responsible and accountable for ensuring all employment legislative requirements are adhered to including equality and diversity and health and safety issues
• The post holder may be required to participate in Open Days, Welcome Weekend and other key University events that may be outside the working week
Skills and experience
Educated to A Level or equivalent
Educated to degree level
Comprehensive IT skills including MS Office packages
ability to effectively prioritise
An understanding of issues which may affect international students
A good understanding of key issues in international higher education
A well-developed understanding of cultural issues Essential Application &
Interview
Experience of effectively following processes
Experience of preparing information for students, in a variety of
formats e.g. leaflets, handbooks
Ability to undertake group presentations
Active participation in teams and working groups
Ability to review service delivery and make suggestions for enhancement and to highlight areas of concern
Experience of working within the confines of complex policy with the ability to read, understand and transfer policy to day-to-day working practices
Experience of adapting working processes to meet policy change Essential
Knowledge of the UK’s Points Based Immigration System
Demonstrable commitment to delivering a high-quality customer focussed services
Ability to adapt to organisational change
Ability to adapt to technological advances in the workplace
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain and
build constructive working relationships
Excellent communication skills Essential
Self-motivated with the ability to work autonomously meeting agreed targets
Excellent attention to detail Essential
Location
The University of Northampton
Waterside Campus
Additional information
Please note this is a temporary role for 3 months in the first instance.