About the Job
Fixed term post for 12 months or until the return of the post holder, whichever is sooner
Interview Date: 7 May 2025
The post holder will be part of the Counselling & Mental Health Team, providing the first point of contact for applicants and students wishing to access the services who are experiencing emotional distress and mental health difficulties. You will be providing information and guidance on the work of the team via phone calls, emails and face to face, and support campaigns and promotional events such as University Mental Health Day and Open Days. You will assist the day to day operation of the team and arrange appointments and drop-ins, manage calendars, take minutes at meetings, ordering promotional resources and arrange room bookings as required.
The post holder will be expected to liaise with, and take accurate messages from other UON staff, as well as from external professionals such as GP’s, specialist NHS service providers and other third party stakeholders.
At times when the mental health service is experiencing a high level of demand, the postholder may be required to meet with students to take summaries of the difficulties they are experiencing within higher education, and create Pre-AIRs (Academic Inclusion Reports) and Exam only AIRs for students waiting to access assessments with the Mental Health Advisers and Specialist Mentors. These documents raise awareness of student difficulties and required adjustments.
The post holder will be required to support the team in using the automated processes for:
1. ensuring a timely response to requests for appointments
2. income generation to help fund services via Disabled Students Allowances
Hours of work will be 5 days a week, worked between the hours of 8 – 6 as would suit the post holder. Hybrid working would be considered, but we would expect onsite presence for at least 2 days of the week, and attendance in person at whole team meetings and service meetings.
We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.
This post is subject to a background disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service before any appointment can be confirmed.
About You
We require:
A robust understanding of confidentiality, data protection and consent.
Excellent written and verbal communications skills, and ability to remain calm and help contain the emotional distress our service users sometimes communicate when contacting the team.
A high degree of computer literacy and experience of formatting and manipulating documents, spreadsheets and online content.
Experience of capturing and manipulating data to generate reports and undertake statistical analysis.
Qualification
Essential
3. Education to A level/NVQ level 3 with GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or the equivalent
Desirable
4. Honours degree, or relevant equivalent
5. Qualification and/or training relating to counselling, mental health and/or psychology
6. Qualification and/or training in data protection and safeguarding personal data
7. Willingness to undertake further education and/or training and development
Department
The Counselling and Mental Health Team are part of the Student Services Department, and the Library, Learning and Student Services Directorate.
About Us
At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.
Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.
Our Values
8. Inclusivity : We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
9. Sustainability : We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
10. Aspiration : We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
11. Trust : We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.
Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.
Right to Work
All candidates will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK at interview. Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position. Due to this criteria, we regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time.
Equality
We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.