Overview

The Student Support Officer role will form a key part of the Residence Life team by supporting both the Student Support team as well as the wider section. We strive to foster in university accommodation the development of safe, diverse and inclusive communities, where students do not merely live but also learn; where students acquire attributes, knowledge and skills necessary for their general development, and where they feel supported in leading successful and well-adjusted lives at University and achieving academic success. The Officer role will be student and public facing and will include triaging cases and information received into the team and liaising with students and staff as required to signpost key services and processes. The post holder will collate relevant information, evidence, and records and conduct initial assessment of incoming concerns. Working closely with both the team and wider University colleagues to ensure appropriate responses to student related queries, the Officer will also ensure that the Residence Life approach is in line with relevant University policies, procedures and practices. The role will include administrative support for the team and include supporting our recruitment, minute taking, attending meetings about meningitis and other serious health issues and student deaths.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Co-ordinate student welfare cases, referring staff and students to relevant processes and policies within the Residence Life team and across the University, including meeting with students to discuss their needs as required.
• Assist the Student Support Team, Residence Life Managers and the Head of Residence Life, to manage cases as required and as directed.
• Ensure the effective triaging of information and cases into the team, assigning cases and assessing risk and impact in line with established departmental processes. 
• Prepare agendas and write minutes as required.
• Take a lead in capturing feedback and data, and assist with coordinating monthly service reports.
• Create and maintain information relating to the Student Support team.
• Provide support for complex cases and events as required.
• Liaise with other departments to ensure support for students, in particular through the Student Health, Wellbeing and Support teams, including Safeguarding and Welfare, Student Mental Health, Counselling and Therapies Service, University Health Service, and Dyslexia and Disability Support Services.
• Ensure accurate record keeping and the correct and appropriate storage of information.
• Support the team’s delivery in creation of materials and processes as required, for example the Residence Life Mentor induction.
• A flexible approach to duties is required as the job may change over-time to reflect the changing needs of the team.
• As a member of our Professional staff, you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the professional behaviours set out in the staff code of conduct.
• As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place during the week commencing 23 March 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Julie Rayner on j.m.rayner@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Criminal record

A relevant DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).