Placements and Work-based Learning Officer School of Science

Transcription

1 Careers Network Placements and Work-based Learning Officer School of Science Job Ref: REQ17220 As part of the University s ongoing commitment to redeployment, please note that this vacancy may be withdrawn at any stage of the recruitment process if a suitable redeployee is identified. Loughborough University is highly regarded and highly rated for the quality of careers, employability and placements support provided to students and graduates, and for the strength of our relationships with placement and graduate recruiters. This role is based in the Careers Network team which provides and co-ordinates a wide range of services and skills development opportunities, including encouraging students to undertake high quality work experience and work-based learning as part of their university experience. The activity of the Careers Network team contributes directly to the University s Strategic ambitions and ensures service excellence to stakeholders including students and employers, contributing directly to the quality of the student experience and to student and graduate outcomes. Job Description Job Grade: Administrative Services Grade 5 Job Purpose To develop, promote and deliver a placements and work-based learning support service for students in designated academic Schools and Departments ensuring a consistently high standard of provision. To provide support and guidance to students, employers and academic staff throughout the placement experience helping them to prepare for and optimise the work-based learning experience, ensuring service excellence at all times. To maintain and extend beneficial working relationships with host employers and ensure effective communication between the student, the employer and the University. Job Duties To work closely with staff and students to understand and enhance student motivation and engagement with placements and other work-based learning, and to optimise participation, meeting agreed goals. To encourage and respond positively to student enquiries, providing accurate and timely information, advice and guidance throughout their placement experience. To assist and advise students with all aspects of the application process for placements, internships and other work experience options, and to record and monitor applications. To provide ongoing service and support to students throughout their placement, anticipating and helping to resolve any problems or challenging issues. To conduct individual meetings, group presentations and workshops for students. Employers: To work closely with employer engagement colleagues to establish, develop and maintain professional and Copyright Loughborough University. All rights reserved. 1

2 positive working relationships with placement host employers, ensuring excellent customer service is provided at all times. To meet employers, build on existing contacts and help widen the range of placement and other workbased learning opportunities. To provide ongoing support to host employers throughout the placement, anticipating and helping to resolve any related problems. To visit host employers and to arrange and host employer visits to the University. To co-ordinate and organise employer visits, presentations and recruitment events, including scheduling, booking rooms, hiring and ordering equipment etc. Colleagues: To work as part of the placements and work-based learning team and the wider Careers Network department, and in close liaison with key colleagues in related academic Schools. To liaise with academic staff in determining the suitability of student placement options, the organisation of placement visits, and to ensure students fulfil the academic requirements of their placement year. To provide advice and guidance to academic staff with regard to placement visits and ongoing student support. To contribute to the recruitment, induction and ongoing training of other staff. To mentor and supervise others in the team as required by line management, including the delegation and monitoring of work to ensure high quality service delivery. Involvement in networking and liaison with placement colleagues across the University; and in relevant university-wide work experience initiatives as appropriate. General: To meet all agreed goals and outcomes. To ensure effective implementation and monitoring of all procedures and processes related to the effective management and monitoring of placements and other work-based learning. To be responsible for maintaining relevant placement databases and systems, ensuring accuracy. To generate and interpret reports and statistical information as requested. To consider and contribute to the development and continuous improvement of the processes followed. To contribute to the day to day effectiveness of placements and work-based learning support services within designated Schools and within the wider support team, including deputising for line management if required. To contribute to specific projects and offer new ideas and solutions which might improve the services delivered and the outcomes for students and employers. To have a detailed understanding of, and work according to, QAA, HEA and Loughborough University codes of practice for placements and work-based learning. To undertake any training and other duties commensurate with the nature and grade of the post, as required and agreed with line management. Points To Note There may be occasions when the post holder will be required to work outside standard contract hours in response to the needs of the role and to attend recruitment events and similar. Special Conditions All staff have a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff are therefore required to adhere to the University s Health, Safety and Environmental Policy & Procedures. All staff should hold a duty and commitment to observing the University s Equality & Diversity policy and procedures at all times. Duties must be carried out in accordance with relevant Equality & Diversity legislation and University policies/procedures. Copyright Loughborough University. All rights reserved. 2

3 Successful completion of probation will be dependent on attendance at the University s mandatory courses which include Respecting Diversity and, where appropriate, Recruitment and Selection. Organisational Responsibility Reports to Placement Governance Manager Careers Network Key Liaison with School Operations Managers, Heads of Department and Placement Tutors. The post holder may have responsibility for the supervision and guidance of team members. Copyright Loughborough University. All rights reserved. 3

4 Person Specification Your application will be reviewed with respect to meeting the essential and desirable criteria listed below. Your application will be reviewed against the essential and desirable criteria listed below. Applicants are strongly advised to explicitly state and evidence how they meet each of the essential (and desirable) criteria in their application. Stages of assessment are as follows: 1 Application 2 Test/Assessment Centre/Presentation 3 Interview Essential Criteria Area Criteria Stage Experience Significant experience in a customer service role Significant experience with administration and computer databases Experience of working in a busy office environment Experience of working with external or internal partners, such as employers, academics, suppliers or other departments Skills and abilities Excellent communication and interpersonal skills able to communicate appropriately and professionally at all levels both internally and externally Skilled in the provision of advice and information to clients 1, 2, 3 Confident presentation skills Able to learn, assimilate, interpret and apply complex new information Ability to work as part of a team, with evidence of team contribution High degree of personal initiative, with a solution-led approach to problems and challenges Flexibility and adaptability responding positively to change and new initiatives Able to organise and prioritise own workload, often whilst under pressure, and to effectively delegate to others if required Able to manage and satisfy the, sometimes conflicting, demands of a wide range of stakeholders High degree of accuracy and attention to detail, whilst working to tight deadlines Excellent level of written and spoken English including writing reports 1, 2, 3 Excellent administrative skills Good numerical skills Excellent internet and MS Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Access) 1, 2, 3 Training A commitment to ongoing personal development and a willingness to train, learn and adopt new procedures as required Demonstrate evidence of having undertaken further training Qualifications A level or equivalent, plus 5 GCSEs (A-C) incl. Maths and English, 1 3 Copyright Loughborough University. All rights reserved. 4

5 and/or relevant professional experience Other Discretion, sensitivity and ability to maintain strict confidentiality Willingness to work outside normal hours if required Commitment to observing all University s Equal Opportunities and diversity policies at all times Desirable Criteria Area Criteria Stage Experience Providing placements and job application advice and guidance to students or other job-seekers Experience of working in a student-facing role in HE Experience and success as a recruitment or careers consultant Experience of supervising the work of others Experience and success in a business development role Skills and abilities Formal recognition of excellence in customer service provision Experience in delivering workshops/presentations Contribution to the development of successful processes leading to enhanced outcomes Supervisory skills and experience Good statistical analysis skills (excellent Excel skills) Enhanced database experience and/or management skill 1 Qualifications University degree 1 Conditions of Service The appointment will be on a full time, open ended contract. The salary will be within Administrative Services Grade 5 ( 23,879-28,452 per annum) with the starting salary to be confirmed on offer of appointment. The appointment will be subject to the University's normal Terms and Conditions of Employment for Operational and Administrative staff, details of which can be found at: The University is committed to enabling staff to maintain a healthy work-home balance and has a number of familyfriendly policies which are available at page.html We also offer an on-campus nursery with subsidised places, subsidised places at local holiday clubs and a childcare voucher scheme (further details are available at: In addition, the University is supportive, wherever possible, of flexible working arrangements. We also strive to create a culture that supports equality and celebrates diversity throughout the campus. The University holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award which recognises the importance of support for women at all stages of their academic career. For further information on Athena SWAN see Copyright Loughborough University. All rights reserved. 5

6 Informal Enquiries Informal enquiries should be made to Helen Smith, Head of Careers, Employability and Employer Engagement at or , or Susan Taylor, Careers and Development Manager at or Applications The closing date for receipt of applications is 23 March Copyright Loughborough University. All rights reserved. 6