Social Policy Trainee – Sheffield Students’ Union

Are you a creative, adaptable, motivated individual from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) background, enthusiastic about your own development as well as all matters relating to student welfare. As a trainee at Sheffield Students’ Union you would support student leaders to implement change in this area on a local and national level with full support from mentors and an exciting, wrap-around training programme.

Sheffield Students’ Union is a dynamic and ambitious organisation that recognises that we do not fully reflect our student members and diverse community. We are committed to transforming our culture and this traineeship forms one part of the race equity objectives through which we aim to make this a reality.

What will you be doing in the role?

Based in the Advice Centre, the purpose of this role is to work collaboratively with Officers, committees, student groups and Students’ Union staff, providing specialist support, advice and research on all matters relating to student welfare and wellbeing.

Please click here for the Job Description and Person Specification

What you can expect from us?

We care about your career and so in addition to the Students’ Union wellbeing activities and staff benefits which range from a buddy scheme to free health assessments, we will provide a variety of development activities tailored to you as an individual, including:

• Training related to the role as well as your own development areas
• Mentoring from a dedicated BAME mentor
• The opportunity to undertake a Level 4 Policy Officer Apprenticeship
• The opportunity to undertake a research project

What are we looking for?

For this trainee position we are looking to recruit someone from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background with:

• An interest and understanding of current issues impacting students e.g. welfare/wellbeing/education
• Planning and organisational skills as well as excellent professional communication skills (verbal and written)
• Able to work independently and use own initiative as well as part of a team; ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Creative and innovative problem-solver who embraces change in a positive manner
• English & Maths GCSEs at grade C (or equivalent)

The practical details

Salary: £18,703 per annum.

Your Benefits

You will work in an exciting and progressive environment and enjoy great staff benefits: 

• Generous holiday package
• Cycle to work scheme and cycle hub 
• The opportunity to buy or sell annual leave
• Flexible working hours 
• Workplace pension scheme
• Discounted Sports Sheffield Gym Membership 
• Well being Programme
• NUS Card

Location: The University of Sheffield Students’ Union, Weston Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TG

Hours: 35 hours per week 

Closing date: 25th November @ 11.45pm 

Start date: January 2020

The next steps will be:

• A video application
• Assessment centre 
• Short interview, with the Head of Advice and Representation, Neil MacKenzie. 

We want to support you to do your best during the application process, so please do get in touch with                                su-people@sheffield.ac.uk with any questions you may have. Additionally, if you have a disability, mental health condition or any other additional needs (such as dyslexia, autism or anxiety), please do let us know so we can tailor the process to suit you.