"Ref 3304/24 Student Welfare Officer, Office of Equity, Safety & Wellbeing"

• Full-Time, Ongoing Position
• Remuneration: $107,358 to $115,073 p.a.| Includes 17% Superannuation & Leave
• Based at Western’s Parramatta South Campus
• Unlock your potential with WSU: Benefit from flexible work arrangements, work from home options (up to 2 days per week), development opportunities and more!

About Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University is a modern, forward-thinking, research-led university, located in the heart of Australia’s fastest-growing, economically significant region. The University has 11 campuses in Sydney, as well as campuses in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Surabaya, Indonesia, with plans for two campuses in India. With over 200,000 alumni, almost 50,000 students, and approximately 3,500 staff, the University promotes a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative culture focused on research and dedicated to student-centered excellence.

Our Schools teach an array of programs and degrees carefully structured to meet the demands of future industry. The University is ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide, with over 85% of its assessed research rated at ‘World Standard’ or above. In 2022, 2023, and 2024 the University was placed 1st worldwide and in Australia for its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings.

Our core values - Boldness, Fairness, Integrity, and Excellence – serve as guiding principles for our organisational culture and influence the work we do. If you are a dedicated and forward-thinking professional seeking a career that can make a meaningful difference, we invite you to discover the abundant opportunities, innovation, and impact that await you at Western Sydney University.

About the Office of Equity, Safety & Wellbeing

Equity, Diversity, Safety and Wellbeing fosters a commitment to the health, wellbeing and safety of our staff and students to empower the entire University community. This includes reviewing and simplifying access and transport for our staff and student population.

These services include equity and diversity, work health safety and wellbeing and student wellbeing services (welfare, disability and counselling services). 

The Student Wellbeing Services offer support to students at all Western Sydney University campuses. The hours of operation may vary dependent upon student requirements, varying peak periods and student’s attendance for classes at various times throughout the day/evening. Services may therefore be required outside of normal business hours to ensure student centred support.

The Student Welfare Service provides a case management service for identified student groups including International students under the age of 18 and students in receipt of an Asylum Seeker scholarship; academic advocacy; financial assistance; advice and support; assistance with accommodation and other welfare related issues.

About the Role

An exciting opportunity exists within the Office of Equity, Safety & Wellbeing for a Student Welfare Officer to join the team!

The Student Welfare Officer is responsible for the delivery of quality student welfare services. The position is required to operate within the respective compliance and risk management frameworks, ensuring the provision of proactive and responsive strategies and approaches using various modes of delivery tailored to each student to meet key identified requirements.

The Student Welfare Officer will champion the key values of the Office of People and the Equity, Safety and Wellbeing portfolio and ensures their practice aligns to these values and service delivery contributing to the overall student experience.

This is a full-time, ongoing position based at Western’s Parramatta South Campus, although travel to other campuses of the University may be required. Please review the position description for further information.

Key Responsibilities

The Student Welfare Officer will be responsible for providing comprehensive services and case management, exercising professional judgment in assessing, advising, and referring students on various welfare matters such as financial assistance, academic appeals, and visa issues. They will deliver professional case management to diverse student groups, including under 18 international students and asylum seekers. The role involves promoting student health and welfare through projects, programs, and resources, utilising technology for service delivery, and managing confidential records in compliance with university policies. The officer will assess students financial needs, foster a collaborative and professional work culture, contribute to strategic planning, suggest improvements, and enhance the customer experience by developing information dissemination strategies and participating in service reviews.

Who we’re looking for

We are seeking a dynamic individual with tertiary qualifications in a relevant field (e.g., Social Sciences, Social Work) or a combination of relevant education and experience. The ideal candidate will possess a high level of knowledge and understanding of welfare-related issues affecting people from diverse backgrounds and demonstrate effective responses to these issues.

They will have strong advocacy and case management skills, superior investigative and conceptual abilities. They will have well-developed communication skills, including oral, interpersonal and written, including the proven ability to communicate professionally and respond appropriately with a diverse range of people and in various situations. Proficiency in computer literacy and a willingness to use technology in service provision are essential.

Additionally, they should have proven experience in developing and implementing projects, the ability to work independently under broad direction, manage their workload efficiently, and maintain high standards of quality and professionalism.

Working with Children Check: It is a mandatory requirement for any incumbent of this position to have a current NSW Employee Working with Children Clearance in accordance with the NSW Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

Culture

Western Sydney University highly values equity and inclusiveness. We have a proud history of doing so and consider this an important part of our social and civic responsibilities as a University. We strive to contribute to tackling inequalities and promoting wellbeing within our own institution, the Greater Western Sydney region, nationally and internationally. If you share our passion for creating a more equitable and inclusive world, and if you are ready to contribute to meaningful change, join us in our mission to promote equity, inclusiveness, and wellbeing.

Benefits & Perks

At Western Sydney University, we deeply value our staff and recognise their invaluable contributions that drive our mission and uphold our values. In return for your dedication, we offer:

• Flexible work arrangements & work from home options (up to 2 days per week)
• Professional development opportunities
• Multi-Campus opportunities
• Access to staff benefits – e.g. health and fitness programs such as fitness passport, café and restaurant deals, and many other goods and services

If this sounds like an opportunity for you, we want to hear from you! Apply now ensuring you carefully address each of the selection criteria in your application. Dont miss this chance to work at Western Sydney University, where every day is an opportunity to make a difference!

Remuneration Package:  HEW Level 6 $107,358 to $115,073 p.a. (comprising Salary of $90,719 to $97,238 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading)

Position Enquiries: Please direct specific enquiries regarding the role to Rebekah Brack, Manager, Student Welfare Service, via email r.brack@westernsydney.edu.au

Recruitment Enquiries: Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the Recruitment Team at recruitmentpartnerships@westernsydney.edu.au

Closing Date: 8:30pm, Tuesday 13th August 2024

Working Rights in Australia - Eligibility

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For an ongoing/continuing position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident and provide evidence at time of application.

Please note, only those applications submitted via the WSU online recruitment system will be accepted.