International Student Adviser

Job Purpose

The University of Glasgow is dedicated to the welfare and success of it’s students. In achieving this commitment, the International Student Adviser plays a crucial role in delivering a positive and innovative student centric service to enhance the student experience. The post holder will report to the Student Experience Manager.

The role is based in the Student and Academic Services Directorate providing specialised immigration advice and guidance to international applicants and current students and graduates through online and face to face sessions, workshops and via email.

International Student Advisers support all international students in interpreting and adhering to the UK immigrations system and regulations. The role also involves supporting the student experience through practical advice and guidance on areas such as opening a bank account, personal safety and understanding how to access the NHS.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. To provide professional and specialist immigration advice to students, applicants, recent graduates, and their dependants via email, online sessions, in person workshops and one to one meetings in compliance with OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) standards and manage own advice and immigration case load which will relate to all aspects of student immigration, following cases through to a satisfactory conclusion.

2. Respond to queries from students (via Ivanti and inbox) and staff in a timely and professional manner, recognising where more complex casework may be required and referring to other Services as appropriate.

3. To arrange and deliver regular drop-in sessions as well as longer appointments on line or in person to deal with more complex questions from international students.

4. Develop and maintain excellent links with key academic and professional services staff, providing advice and advocating the needs of international students across the institution as well as cultivating links with appropriate agencies outside the University. Raising profile of ISS (International Student Service) through departmental meetings/presentations across the University wherever possible.

5. Work in close collaboration and maintain a strong working relationship with the Visa Compliance Team. 6. To contribute to the revision and updating of the International Student Support web pages to ensure information is up to date, informative and relevant.

7. To contribute to the development, promotion and delivery of a range of information sessions, masterclasses and cultural workshops for international students.

8. To support and contribute to the planning, organising and management of the International Student Welcome team, Airport Welcome and Welcome Desk over the September and January arrival period and plan workload / assist in line management of Welcome Team Co-ordinator and Welcome Team members to ensure a positive new student experience.

9. To maintain and and keep up to date with expert knowledge of regulations and legislation affecting international students and participate in ongoing professional development in the international student welfare/advice field.

10. To undertake the organisation and management of International Student Support events throughout the year including Orientation, one-off events or projects and social events aimed at international students and their dependants through but not exclusive to the International Family Network.

11. Actively seek and promote opportunities to support the international student experience.

12. To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Glasgow 2020 – A Global Vision.

13. n accordance with the confidentiality policy, to immediately alert the Visa Compliance Team of any identified risk to immigration compliance, and to support an effective and timely resolution.

14. To work at all times in accordance with the UKCISA Code of Ethics.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Degree, SVQ4 or equivalent in a relevant subject or postgraduate/professional qualification with relevant formal training.

A2 Excellent knowledge of UK immigration law and policy as it relates to students of Higher Education (OISC Level 2).

A3 Excellent understanding of student and PBS dependant immigration matters.

A4 Excellent cultural awareness.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Excellent interpersonal skills including influencing skills, diplomacy and sensitivity.

C2 High standard of written and oral communication skills to ensure high level of service.

C3 Ability to work flexibly and independently as well effectively as a member of a team.

C4 Excellent organisational and time management skills maintaining attention to detail.

C5 Strong IT and presentation skills.

C6 Ability to plan, organise and prioritise work effectively against competing priorities.

C7 Ability to work calmly under pressure in a busy environment and meet deadlines.

C7 Ability to deal sensitively with any situation and maintain a high level of professionalism at all times.

Desirable: 

D1 Experience of using a content management system.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Typically 3 years practical experience in a similar or related field OR 2 years relevant experience with Higher degree OR evidence of progression and development through 7-10 years relevant work experience.

E2 A minimum of 2 years experience of providing UK immigration advice and services to students at OISC Level 2.

E3 Considerable experience of providing a high-level of service within a customer-facing environment.

E4 Considerable experience of responding to and providing advice on multiple and complex queries from international students and their families.

E5 Experience of public speaking and presenting to large groups.

E6 Experience of working within a complex regulatory framework.

Desirable:

F1 Experience of working in HE with an international audience.

F2 Experience of organising and delivering large and small scale events.

F3 Experience of working in a large dynamic organisation.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended (permanent). Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.