Senior Student Support Advocate
Location: Ōtepoti
Employment and hours: Permanent 32 - 40 hours per week (fixed agreed hours within this range)
Remuneration: Core Staff Band 6 (Appointment from Min Range)
About Us
OUSA is a not-for-profit organisation that has been proudly serving the students of the University of Otago for over 130 years. OUSA Student Support focuses on providing a support service that is responsive to the needs of our community, solution-focused, and holistic. Our team operates within a broad framework drawing on our diverse educational backgrounds and experience to ensure we can respond and work with our students to find a resolution in whatever scenario they present.
About the Role
We are currently seeking a Senior Student Support Advocate who will be able to provide student focussed advocacy and support services to OUSA members, promote student welfare and wellbeing, and support the Student Support Manager and operations of the Student Support Centre.
Our Advocates support students through a wide range of situations. Anything from accommodation and tenancy issues to financial assistance, university processes and procedures, health and wellbeing concerns, and crisis management. Whether it is helping students navigate complex systems or providing guidance during challenging times, our Advocates are there to ensure every student feels supported, informed, and empowered.
As Student Advocates, we play a key role in bringing together the right people and services to ensure the best outcomes for students. No two days are ever the same. For example, in the morning, you might be helping a student organise paperwork for next year’s flat, and by the afternoon, you could be supporting someone through a period of serious distress. This is a role for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, can think on their feet, and remains composed under pressure. You will need to see the big picture, make meaningful connections across departments and agencies, and be ready to roll up your sleeves and handle the finer details that make a real difference in a student’s life.
You will be joining a dedicated team of people who genuinely care and are here to work collaboratively to make a difference in all students' lives.
About You:
To be successful in this role, you will need a strong background in advocacy and/or social services.
Furthermore, the ideal candidate will have:
- A relevant tertiary qualification such as psychology, counselling, social work, community development/support or equivalent.
- 2-3 years’ experience in a similar position.
- Written and oral communication skills, active listening/counselling skills, pastoral care skills, problem solving skills, flexible and adaptable.
- Knowledge of the tertiary education sector, community services, and the student demographic
- Comfortable in a workplace that uses support dogs.
Applications close October 22nd and must be emailed to our HR Advisor, Lauren Scrimgeour (jobs@ousa.org.nz). Please include your personalised Cover Letter, CV and the OUSA application form, available at www.ousa.org.nz/about/vacancies.