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Internal Title: Student Advisor - International

Closing date: as soon as filled - NEED TO BE AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY

FTE: full time / part time Hybrid/Remote - temporary role to cover sickness (initial 1 month contract)

Need to have: Experience of International Student Funding/visas/immigration procedures

Founded in 1837, the Royal College of Art is the world’s largest community of postgraduate art and design students. It is also the oldest art and design university in continuous operation and has been ranked as the world‘s number 1 art & design university for a remarkable nine consecutive years (QS World Subject Rankings 2015-2023).

Purpose of the post:

The postholder will deliver confidential, expert advice and support on a range of immigration issues. Supporting students and applicants to adhere to Tier 4 and other immigration requirements. Developing a cohesive, innovative and responsive approach to the College-wide delivery of support for international students. Working with students and staff to promote and develop an inclusive learning environment.

Supporting students to help themselves; promoting student independence and autonomy while maintaining a boundaried and professional approach.

Main duties and responsibilities:

International student advice:

• Through one-to-one and group sessions, establish, deliver and monitor high-quality, expert advice and support for international postgraduate taught and research students.
• Provide high-quality and up-to-date immigration and visa advice, at OISC level 2, to students and applicants ensuring clear understanding of the boundaries around student responsibilities and those of the College.
• Undertake specialist immigration casework with international students using knowledge of Home Office procedures and the need to balance confidentiality with compliance duties.
• Advice and work collaboratively with colleagues across the College to ensure a cohesive and robust approach to Tier 4 compliance.
• Produce and publish relevant, accessible and helpful information materials including resources for new, current and graduating students.
• Provide appropriate development sessions and resources for staff to help build effective support and compliance.
• Maintain and organise reliable records and administration of support work with students.
• Develop and deliver initiatives and projects to enhance the international student experience and promote inclusion.
• Maintain a high level of self-directed professional development to keep up-to-date with developments in Home Office and other relevant legislation and guidance, updating staff and students.
• Develop and maintain effective networks and relationships with agencies such as UKCISA and AISA.

General advice

• Provide advice and continuing support for students; interpreting enquiries and taking time to understand any underlying issues and help students take action to find resolution.
• Refer students sensitively and professionally to other specialist sources of support both within the College and externally as appropriate.
• Together with immediate colleagues, initiate, plan and organise appropriate events and activities for students including orientation events for new students, social activities and support workshops.
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by the Student Support Manager.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Demonstrable, in-depth knowledge and experience of working with Tier 4 student immigration legislation and providing advice at OISC level 2.
• Excellent written communication skills demonstrating the ability to communicate complex issues sensitively in clear, simple and appropriate language, and taking into account the varying needs of students attending the College.
• Ability to communicate effectively and enthusiastically with a wide range of people in challenging or pressured situations.
• Ability to empathise and work sensitively with students in difficulty.
• Ability to bring diplomacy and judgement to discussions where strong or divergent views are expressed.
• Excellent team working skills with collegial and open attitude to working with others, able to adapt to working with wide variety of people.
• Understanding and appreciation of the particular challenges and barriers faced by international students coming to the UK.
• Experience of working in a HE setting
• Accuracy and attention to detail with good administrative skills.
• Strong networking skills to work with individuals and teams both in the College and externally.
• Ability to use high-level creative, problem-solving skills to develop effective work systems.
• Strong helping skills including tact, sensitivity and responsiveness.
• Strong organisational, administration and IT skills.

The RCA is committed to creating an environment of mutual respect, where differences are valued and celebrated and where innovation, creativity and diversity can flourish. We welcome and encourage applications from all members of the community and recognise some may need additional support completing an online application process, for example, dyslexia. The Royal College of Art is also a committed member of the Two Ticks’ Positive About Disability Scheme.

If you have relevant experience in International Student Funding/Visas/Immigration and you are available immediately - please send your CV and covering letter with your experience to [email protected].