Job Description

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Description

Student Finance has a key role to play in supporting students financially whilst they are attending College, by offering access to bursaries, free meals, access to a hardship fund and support for travel and childcare. This postholder will also be giving one to one support to students applying for financial support and further guidance on fees and welfare benefits, as well as having responsibility for processing and allocating financial support to students.

The successful candidate will have experience of working in an advisory/student support environment and experience and knowledge of student financial support processes and welfare benefits are key. You must have the ability to show an understanding of, and commitment to College policies and procedures, particularly equality and diversity. This post also requires some flexibility around working hours on occasion - for example during open evenings and enrolment periods.
Responsible to: Student Finance Manager###

Key Responsibilities

Contribute fully to the mission and values statement of the College ensuring its effective implementation in all aspects of College life To provide enquirers and students with information, advice and guidance about fees, finance and funding for both further and higher education study To have a good working knowledge of the implications for study while receiving welfare benefits To conduct 1:1 interviews with students experiencing financial hardship To assess and process applications for discretionary Learner Support funding To assess and process applications for 16-19 Bursary fundin To support student applications for Advanced Learner Loans To consider travel support appeals To refer enquirers to appropriate individuals and agencies, both inside and outside college To use and maintain appropriate records of financial and advice activities using the PayMyStudent bursary management system To prepare management information relating to student financial advice and support activities To assist in the creation and delivery of staff and student handbooks/guides and training sessions about fees, finance and funding Ensure students are aware of their rights, responsibilities and entitlement as a student at The City of Liverpool College Maintain a good working knowledge of student finance and funding regulations, and a commitment to keeping this knowledge up to date Evaluate and improve own communication skills to maximise effective communication with students, staff and stakeholders relating to student finance Work co-operatively and effectively as a member of the Student Services team Continually reflect on service provision and strive to make improvements where difficulties are encountered Attend and contribute fully to team meetings and DLSF meetings Contribute fully to maintaining the Student Finance Service Standards Support cross college activities as required in particular the key enrolment, recruitment and invigilation periods. To participate fully in: Staff development and practice In-service training opportunities which are made available The delivery of in-service training to others in the area of specific responsibility The college appraisal scheme


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Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential:Minimum Grade C in English and Mathematics or equivalent Educated to Level 3 Ability to communicate effectively with a range of students both on an individual basis and in group settings Ability to empathise and engage with a range of students both on an individual basis and in group settings High level of digital literacy ; to be able to use college systems and spreadsheets to manage student finance data Commitment to keep up to date with current and emerging funding guidance and legislation,



Desirable:Recent experience of working with people as an advocate to access internal and external financial support Experience of developing relevant training materials and resources Commitment to horizon scanning to identify potential opportunities to enhance the service.




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Benefits

We really care about our people. As a member of College staff, you will have access to a wide range of benefits, wellbeing services and opportunities for professional development.



These include:Generous annual leave - We offer the highest holiday entitlement in the City Region Competitive salary - Our salaries are the highest within FE in the City Region Access to our Employee Benefits Platform, offering hundreds of discounts and savings Wellbeing support - Access to a free, independent and confidential 24 hour counselling support, as well as general wellbeing and lifestyle support through our platform and app Pension Scheme - Excellent pension provision, with memberships of Local Government Scheme, Teachers Pension Scheme and Aviva, depending on the role.


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About The City of Liverpool College

The City of Liverpool College is the largest further education college in the Liverpool City Region. With more than 600 members of staff, hundreds of courses, five campuses and over 10,000 students, we are at the forefront of education in our region.

We proudly scored GOOD in our 2024 OFSTED inspection, with several areas graded outstanding. Ofsted described our student experience as "transformative and life-enhancing".

We're committed to supporting every student to achieve and progress with the skills and expertise they need for their next step. We couldn't do this without the people who make this happen every day - our brilliant staff.