Community Support Officer

University of Glasgow

3mo ago

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Junior, Mid & Senior Level
People, HR & Administration
Education & Teaching
Glasgow

Requirements

A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills through personal development and progression in a similar related role(s). Or: Educated to at least Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 8 (Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4, Higher National Diploma) or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
A2 Relevant experience in student and/or community support organisations or teams.
A3 Strong knowledge of social and cultural issues, as well as relevant laws, regulations, and standards.
A4 Knowledge of developing programmes and projects, event concept development and delivery.
A5 Experience and understanding of working with groups and individuals towards improving mutual understanding, reducing conflict, and enhancing connection.
B1 Knowledge of the student journey, levels and modes of higher education study, plus an understanding of the needs of different student cohorts in a Further or Higher Education setting.
B2 Knowledge of University or Higher Education procedures, such as systems, policies and processes.
C1 Proven analytical, oral and written communication skills, including the ability to review and digest information, to summarise conclusions and provide recommendations for consideration by management.
C2 Demonstrable organisational, project, and event management, planning and problem-solving skills with ability to organise, execute and evaluate relevant initiatives.
C3 Ability to exercise initiative, working independently to progress projects and propose innovative solutions, referring to management as required.
C4 Highly developed eye for detail and a positive user experience.
C5 Demonstrated ability to set priorities and work with diplomacy and efficiency in a demanding and changeable environment.
C6 Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to act positively with students and a wide range of staff at all levels.
C7 Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the ability to promote these values within the organisation and in external partnerships.
E1 Experience of providing support to young people and colleagues in relation to inclusion, belonging and positive community interaction.
E2 Experience in the delivery of face-to-face events and online communication and engagement, including being responsible for the organisation and management of small to large-scale events and activities.
E3 Proven experience of problem solving, planning, organising and setting priorities.
E4 Proven experience of decision making, involving independent analysis and judgement.
F1 Staff management or supervising experience.
F2 Experience of managing or administering funding or internship programmes.

Responsibilities

1. Implement and manage the S&AS workstream of the Community & Inclusion Project under the auspices of the Student Experience Strategy and its themes of student opportunity, wellbeing, inclusion & belonging, and physical & digital foundations. to the benefit of all but with a particular focus on specific student cohorts and characteristics.
2. Responsible for the delivery of a range of components, including “community cafés”, online community, and internship scheme, facilitating more opportunities for students to connect, increase awareness and improve understanding of each other, forging better connection across all student groups and cohorts.
3. Management of the internship scheme comprising administering the funding application process for student interns to work in partnership with staff in Subject areas, Schools, Service teams and student organisations; establishing a review panel to evaluate and decide on bids for funding; plus subsequent monitoring and evaluation report gathering.
4. Stay informed about sector trends, best practices, and regulatory requirements related to student community, support, and service delivery, making recommendations for continuous improvement.
5. To regularly seek, involve, and engage with students, staff, and other stakeholders across all aspects of the project to ensure relevancy and rigour, ensuring our combined results have a meaningful impact.
6. Support management and coordination of the overall project’s advisory forum, linking into Student Experience Strategy governance.
7. Monitoring and evaluation of all activity to establish impact and capture feedback for iterative improvement, ensuring consistent and required benefit delivery.
8. To monitor and manage expenditure, utilising project workstream budget to best effect, ensuring accurate records are kept of all aspects of activity.
9. The post holder will, from time to time be required to undertake other duties of a similar nature as may be reasonably be required by the line manager.

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the Community Support Officer position?

The main purpose of the Community Support Officer position is to contribute to improved student inclusion and belonging across communities and campuses, focusing particularly on specific student groups.

What is the working schedule for this position?

This position is full-time, consisting of 35 hours per week.

What qualifications are required for this role?

Candidates should either demonstrate competencies through personal development and experience in a related role or be educated to at least Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 8 (HND) or equivalent, along with relevant experience in student or community support organizations.

Is there a focus on specific student groups in this role?

Yes, there is a particular focus on specific groups including International, Mature, Commuting, and Disabled students.

What are the main responsibilities of a Community Support Officer?

Responsibilities include implementing and managing community and inclusion projects, delivering events and activities, engaging with students and stakeholders, monitoring and evaluating activities, and managing budgets.

Are there opportunities for professional development in this role?

Yes, the University of Glasgow offers a warm and engaging organisational culture that values the development of talents and celebrates success, indicating opportunities for professional development.

How does the University of Glasgow promote diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices?

The University actively encourages applications from all communities, particularly from those under-represented, such as individuals from the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion as core values.

What kind of experience is preferred for applicants?

Preferred experience includes providing support to young people regarding inclusion and community interaction, delivering events, and having experience in managing funding or internship programs.

What benefits are offered to employees in this position?

Benefits include an excellent employment package with generous leave, pension options, a flexible working approach, and support for health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for new staff.

Is there any age discrimination in the hiring process?

No, the University promotes equality and values diversity, ensuring that all individuals are considered regardless of age.

Will the post-holder need to work closely with student representatives?

Yes, the post-holder will work closely with student representatives and groups to ensure that projects are relevant and impactful.

What is the anticipated duration of this fixed-term position?

The position is fixed-term for up to 31 July 2026.

How does this role support the Student Experience Strategy?

The role implements the S&AS workstream of the Community & Inclusion Project, which aligns with the Student Experience Strategy themes, focusing on student opportunity, well-being, inclusion, belonging, and community building.

University of Glasgow

Changing the world since 1451 🌍

Education

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Employees

Mission & Purpose

Our mission is to undertake leading-edge, internationally-competitive research while offering a challenging student-centred learning environment. Through our status as a leading international university, we aim to sustain and add value to Scottish culture and society, to the natural environment and to the national economy.