Student Support and Engagement Advisor

Job Description

• The incumbent reports directly to and supports the Vice Dean (Office of Student Life) of the College of Design and Engineering (CDE).
• To provide outreach engagement and support services for post graduate students for a smooth transition into the programme.
• To provide advice and supportive environment to post graduate students by active interventions, prioritise risk and communicate issues relating to student life and wellbeing.
• Case management which includes care planning and implementation, case conference with stakeholders, coaching/mentoring and/or para-counselling and prepare case notes/reports and maintain updated records.
• To support individual department student wellbeing and collectively build positive community relationships.
• To run focus-group wellbeing initiatives and programs as well as rendering data collection to evaluate and feedback on college wellbeing programs and strategies for better transition into the University.
• To enhance student wellbeing, help students develop pro-social behaviour and emotional skills through targeted wellness programs and strategies that build resilience, coping skills and positive relationships in partnership with the student life team within Office of Student Life, University Health Centre/Counselling Centre, and Office of Student Affairs (OSA) at the university level, other government agencies, etc. as required.
• To identify and facilitate student and their families’ needs and provide referrals to internal and external stakeholders.
• To deal and respond to emergency issues and students’ crises that may arise and prepare to take on roles and functions related to mobilizing the team, coordinating communication, psychological support, individual and group supportive counselling, media, aftermath interventions, debrief, etc.
• Collaborate with OSA International Students Coordinating Office (ISCO) on talks/activities for post graduate international students on better buddy system at Freshman Orientation for international students and school events.
• To assist and support the College initiatives and events, which include attending the events, updating the social media sites regularly. In addition, to take up additional scopes as directed by the Vice Dean.

Qualifications

• Degree (Good Honours) and above from a recognized university specialisation in social work, counselling, or the social science such as psychology or behavioural/human science.
• Minimum 4 years of experience working with at least 1-year relevant experience in the mental health, social service or education sector. An experienced education officer who handles student development or student life is preferred.
• Good experience in stakeholder management, case management and critical incident management.
• Excellent outreach and/or programme management experience.
• Familiar with student affairs in higher education will be advantageous.
• Demonstrated good interpersonal skills, with the capacity to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and ability to work unsupervised and in a team environment.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and flexible in adjusting and responding to changing priorities.
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 and technological tools and information systems relevant in the University setting.
• Has well-developed graphic skills for event publicity, computer skills, including a working knowledge of databases, record management systems, spreadsheets, and word processing.
• Has good communication, negotiation and influencing skills (written and verbal), especially in working collaborative with university students and colleagues from different cultural and disciplinary backgrounds.
• Personal initiative and team spirit in the effective implementation of policies and plans.
• Cultural sensitivity, collaborative and an openness to diverse views with emotional stability, and resilience.