Student Experience and Wellbeing Officer (Dubai)

The post holder will be responsible for enhancing the student experience by designing, delivering and evaluating inclusive, student-centred initiatives that support student wellbeing, engagement, belonging and success. The role will provide proactive wellbeing and welfare support, guidance and advice to students, while leading and contributing to a range of student experience activities including pre-arrival, Welcome, induction, transition programmes, wellbeing initiatives, student engagement activities and Students' Association programmes.

The post holder will contribute to the delivery of wellbeing and welfare services, including managing sensitive student cases, providing early intervention support, assessing individual needs and making appropriate referrals. The role will also support the development of wellbeing campaigns, student engagement initiatives and inclusive practices that promote resilience, community and holistic student development.

Working under the strategic direction of the Head of Student Wellbeing and Experience, and in partnership with the University's Students' Association and wider professional services teams, the post holder will contribute to the development of a supportive and inclusive campus environment where students are empowered to thrive academically, personally and socially.

The role has a specific strategic focus on enhancing services and engagement opportunities for the postgraduate student community, while continuing to support and enhance the experience of all students, including undergraduate students. During teaching terms, the post holder will be required to work flexibly, including Saturday and Sunday working, with two weekday rest days provided.

STUDENT EXPERIENCE SUPPORT

- Use student insight, feedback, surveys, focus groups and engagement data to identify emerging needs, evaluate impact and inform continuous improvement of the student experience.
- Lead and contribute to the planning and delivery of Welcome, induction, transition and pre-arrival programmes that support students to successfully integrate into university life.
- Develop and deliver inclusive wellbeing campaigns, workshops and engagement initiatives that promote resilience, personal development, community and a positive sense of belonging.
- Work collaboratively with academic and professional services colleagues to embed student wellbeing, engagement and success within the wider student experience, supporting retention, continuation and positive student outcomes.
- Partner with the Students' Association to develop and deliver an engaging programme of co-curricular activities, student leadership opportunities and events that enrich the student experience and foster an inclusive campus community.
- Lead and support the planning and delivery of University-wide and campus events, ensuring activities reflect the needs of a diverse student community.
- Develop and coordinate timely, accessible and engaging student communications that promote awareness of opportunities, services and support available throughout the student journey.
- Provide proactive guidance and first-line support to students through the Student Hub and other points of contact, identifying individual needs, promoting self-help and referring students to appropriate specialist services where required.
- Build effective partnerships across the University to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to supporting student wellbeing, engagement and academic success.

WELLBEING SUPPORT

- Provide guidance, support and advice to students on matters relating to wellbeing through one-to-one advice appointments, drop-in and via written communication.
- Assess the effectiveness of student wellbeing campaigns and activities, using feedback to adapt and refine future initiatives.
- Deliver proactive early intervention by assessing student needs, identifying potential risks and implementing appropriate support plans.
- Provide advice and guidance to Students of Determination/Disabled Students and liaise with the UK-based Disability Service to implement reasonable adjustments and access requirements.
- Coordinate and deliver regular wellbeing drop-in sessions, ensuring students have accessible opportunities to seek guidance and support throughout the academic year.
- Manage student enquiries through the University's case management system, ensuring accurate and professional responses in line with service standards.
- Complete all reporting activities in a timely manner to inform and support identification of potential risk and proactive activities.
- Provide guidance and support to students in considering and responding to requests for extensions and extenuating circumstances and other wellbeing related processes.
- Support students and refer them to appropriate support services as required, including student mental health and wellbeing services, exchange students from partner institutions and/or other UoB campuses.
- Provide advice and support to academic colleagues on student wellbeing matters, including Reasonable Adjustments, Extenuating Circumstances and other student support processes.
- Liaise with and refer students to wider support services and specialist services in the University and externally, such as counselling services.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

- Undertake such other duties as may be required from time to time to further the work of the wellbeing services and the development of the student experience or the University.
- Assist the Recruitment and Outreach process and events when required (e.g. Open Days).
- Take the initiative to develop partnerships with external organisations, other universities, and career development networks to provide students with access to a broader range of opportunities and support services.
- Undertake continuous personal and professional growth and development by actively seeking and engaging in development opportunities.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

- Educated to degree level, preferably in Psychology, or hold an equivalent relevant professional qualification.
- Significant experience of working in a professional environment; relevant experience of supporting young adults in Higher Education is desirable.
- Understanding of the principles of Safeguarding in relation to adults at risk and under 18s, including knowledge of the Office for Students requirements in relation to harassment and sexual violence.
- High level of knowledge of good practice in relation to disability and mental health within a Higher Education environment.
- Good understanding of current trends and developments in relation to student wellbeing.
- Significant experience of organising a large-scale programme of events.
- Experience of supporting students in relation to welfare issues.
- Strong understanding of the student experience, issues, and the student lifecycle and journey.
- Significant knowledge and experience of writing communications for a variety of different audiences.
- Working knowledge of standard and/or advanced Microsoft Office software.
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.
- Actively promotes equality and diversity to internal stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and rapport with a diverse student population.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience of developing interventions to address equality and diversity issues.
- A recognised qualification or professional training in mental health, wellbeing or similar is desirable.