DepartmentThe Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS) at the University of Essex is dedicated to fostering a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. The department plays a key role in supporting students’ mental health, emotional wellbeing, and overall welfare, working collaboratively across the University and with external agencies to ensure students receive timely, effective, and compassionate support. SWIS is committed to early intervention, prevention, and the promotion of a zero-tolerance approach to harassment, sexual violence, and hate crime.
Duties of the RoleThe post holder will provide frontline support to students experiencing a range of welfare concerns, including mental health difficulties, safeguarding issues, and crisis situations. You will assess risk, offer initial guidance, and coordinate access to specialist services.
The role involves responding to complex enquiries, supporting students in distress, and working within safeguarding and data protection protocols.
You will also contribute to health promotion activities, service development, and collaborative initiatives across the University and with external partners.
A full list of duties and responsibilities can be found within the job pack.
Skills and qualifications requiredThe successful candidate will have experience supporting individuals with emotional and mental health needs, alongside a strong understanding of safeguarding and crisis response.
You will demonstrate excellent communication skills, the ability to manage sensitive situations, and a commitment to inclusive, student-centred practice.
Familiarity with psychoeducational approaches and partnership working is essential, and relevant qualifications in mental health, counselling, or a related field are desirable.
Whilst this is a full-time post, a job share arrangement may be considered, so please state clearly on your application form the contract type for which you are applying.
At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.
To support this commitment we have our Global Forum, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives. For more information see: https://www.essex.ac.uk/life/student-facilities/religion-and-faith
Please see the attached job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification, which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please email the Resourcing Team (resourcing@essex.ac.uk).
*More information: Working at the University