Department: Student Advice Service (SAS) Student Services

s Job description

Department: Student Advice Service (SAS) – Student Services

Location: Moulsecoomb

Job title: SAS Funds Assessor

Post number: SS5191

Grade: 5

Responsible to: The SAS Manager

Main areas of responsibility: 1. To provide students, staff and others (prospective students, external parties, public etc.) with information and advice on the full range of student financial support available at the university.

2. To administer, assess, maintain and develop SAS funds available to students at the University of Brighton.

3. To work as part of the SAS and Student Services in providing a confidential, supportive and objective service to the University community.

4. To keep full financial records, providing data analysis and reports.

Specific duties: 1. To provide students, staff and others (prospective students, external parties, public etc.) with information and advice on the full range of student financial support available at the university.

1.1 Contribute to the distribution of information, advice and support to the university community and to serve as the primary focus for Student Services funds ensuring the provision of suitable guidance and publicity.

1.2 To liaise internally with Student Services, the Students’ Union, Academic Services, Finance, Student Support and Guidance Tutors, Academic Departments, Legal Services, external partners and other areas of the University on issues related to Student Services funds.

1.3 To liaise externally with appropriate funding bodies.

1 1.4 Where required, to contribute to presentations and workshops on student funding for applicants (including parents), students and staff at open days, induction sessions and welcome events etc.

1.5 To produce and maintain a resource of policies and procedures for Advisers and appropriate colleagues within the University.

1.6 To develop and maintain the up-to-date knowledge required by the post through research and training, keeping abreast of all relevant guidance, legislation and good practice.

1.7 To work with colleagues in the maintenance, development and implementation of fund management systems.

1.8 To liaise with any students appealing any funds assessments or where they are not satisfied with assessment outcomes or procedures to explain assessment processes and review options

1.9 Assist in publicizing the availability of all SAS funds to the University community through a range of resources and methods (including the ongoing development of electronic media).

1.10 To liaise with Student Support and Guidance Tutors particularly relating to the Funds, providing staff with support needed to advise students.

2. To administer, assess, maintain and develop SAS funds available to students at the University of Brighton.

2.1 To be responsible for all SAS funds which currently include the: Student Support Fund, Summer Hardship Fund, International Students Hardship Fund and Fee Waiver scheme, Alumni Fund and the DSA Contribution Fund

2.2 Assess part time undergraduate applicant’s eligibility for funding support.

2.3 To establish, maintain and develop systems for processing and assessing fund applications, reviewing all aspects of the Funds in line with national guidance, regional variations and institutional need.

2.4 To reconcile outstanding Bridging Loans with SAS record systems and the Universities finance system.

2.5 To ensure the continued payment of funds to students and the provision of periodic and annual returns in line with funds guidance.

2.6 To liaise externally with any relevant funding authorities in relation to guidance, regulations and other matters, keeping

2 abreast of all changes in relevant legislation.

2.7 To cross check assessments made by other staff and generally implement and adhere to audit recommendations and guidance.

2.8 To undertake research and make recommendations to Management on individual fund applications and Appeals.

2.9 To prepare student applications and appeals for the ongoing Funds Panel meetings (which currently sit every 2 weeks).

2.10 To monitor trends and target specific student ‘groups’ for financial support at appropriate times throughout the year in liaison with the SAS Manager

2.11 To liaise with Information Services to update the in-house funds payment system (WADS) in line with any changes to assessment criteria.

3. To work as part of the SAS and Student Services in providing a confidential, supportive and objective service to the University community.

3.1 To develop knowledge of student financial support sufficient to advise students and support SAS colleagues in team working and provide Reception cover during drop in when needed.

3.2 To make and follow up appropriate internal or external referrals.

3.3 To assist with the development, production and distribution of a range of hardcopy and online services and resources, taking responsibility for up-to-date text of individual specialist area.

3.4 To use the Student Information Database (SID) to respond to and log enquiries related to funds.

3.5 To represent the SAS and Student Services at any necessary meetings, training and talks and contributing to national policy consultations (when appropriate).

3.6 To assist with service appraisal and development, holding resulting project management responsibilities as directed by management.

3.7 To undertake any reasonable duties as directed by management in order to fulfill the needs of the post.

4. To keep full financial records, providing data analysis and reports.

4.1 To maintain accurate, confidential records of student applications and appropriate financial and statistical information.

3 4.2 Monitor spend to ensure institutional financial requirements are met.

4.3 To work closely with the Finance Office on quarterly reconciliations and in the annual spending verification.

4.4 To be the SAS lead in assisting Internal Audit (and any external auditors as necessary) with audit of the funds

4.5 To assist in the production of reports and briefings relating to the funds and funding issues feeding into relevant meetings where required.

4.6 To assist in gathering data and providing information for FOI requests.

Selection criteria: The criteria below indicate the qualities that are needed to do the job well. Candidates for the post will be selected according to the extent to which they satisfy them. Evidence of potential will also be considered. Most of the criteria must normally be met in order to qualify for selection.

Essential:

• Knowledge/qualifications:

• Recent experience of student finance administration or of personal financial assessments; • Previous experience of advice work (preferably in a financial setting or education or a related field); • A working knowledge of the procedures of appropriate statutory agencies (e.g. student funding, welfare benefits etc.).

• Communication: excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills

• Sensitivity: listens and understands the needs of others as well as a commitment to and understanding of confidentiality and data protection.

• Self-motivation: meets required objectives and standards on own initiative (i.e. without undue supervision), including less satisfying tasks

• Teamwork: flexible; co-operative; helpful, informative

• Organization: works systematically and effectively, with an eye for detail, experience of record keeping and reporting.

• Response to change: adaptable; interested in learning and developing to meet changing situations

• Physical: able to use display screen equipment extensively,

4 according to health and safety guidelines • Equality: Understanding of equality of opportunity and data protection as it relates to the job. • Competent IT skills: a working knowledge of Microsoft office – particularly spreadsheets, database entry and email communication.

Desirable

 Experience of working within a higher of further education setting.

 An understanding of different student finance packages available.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

Ref: IC/HA Date: Oct 2016