Senior Student Support Manager

About the Role

The Senior Student Support Manager leads the student support offer at dBs Institute Manchester, a small but growing campus, ensuring consistently high-quality provision for all students. The role requires close collaboration with course teams, effective triage and monitoring of student support needs, and oversight of funding allocations, alongside the delivery of targeted 1-to-1 student support.

In addition to campus-based leadership, the role contributes to the enhancement of student support practice across the wider dBs Institute through shared leadership responsibilities, including the development of approaches, policies, and reporting frameworks that support consistency and continuous improvement across the group.

Qualifications, knowledge and experience:

• Degree level education, (or qualified by experience) and a background in an appropriate registered field (eg social work, counselling, nursing, occupational health or other equivalent)  
• Significant experience of Student Loans Companies (SFE / SFW etc.) and DSA policies and procedures 
• Evidence of ability to use diagnostic skills in triaging to be able to quickly and efficiently identify the needs of the individual 
• Appreciation and general understanding of the Data Protection Act, Safeguarding legislation, the Equality Act and Codes of Ethics for confidentiality 

Planning and organisation:

• Able to prioritise own work, work of different teams and organisation goals simultaneously 
• Able to re-prioritise workload in a fast-moving environment 
• Able to demonstrate a commitment to customer service excellence 

Problem solving and initiative:

• A proven high-level ability to be creative, innovative and incisive, ensuring an efficient approach to working practices 
• Self-sufficient, capable of target setting and monitoring, actively seeking information from internal or external sources as required 
• Able to develop understanding of long-standing and complex problems and to apply professional knowledge and experience to solve them 

Management and Teamwork:

• A sophisticated ability to manage risk in safeguarding situations 
• Able to proactively develop team dynamics and performance, ensuring quality standards are consistently achieved 
• Able to foster positive relationships confidently both within and outside their own Department 

Communicating and influencing:

• Excellent presentation and verbal skills, with ability to communicate confidently at all levels 
• A proven ability to keep accurate records and disseminate them appropriately 
• The capacity and willingness to maintain and grow a culture which is innovative and inclusive 
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to produce and present complex issues in a focused, succinct, professional and persuasive manner (e.g. reports, bids, papers, policies and guidelines) 

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Who is dBs Institute?

dBs Institute is on a relentless mission to empower creative people by providing the experience, education and opportunities needed to pursue a life in the creative industries. For 25 years we’ve been focused on providing an exceptional educational experience that equips you with the technical skills, theoretical knowledge, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to succeed in a constantly evolving industry. Our goal is to empower you to think critically, approach your work with curiosity, experiment, and take risks to push the boundaries of creative technology.

We're big believers that innovation flourishes in a community that's diverse and collaborative. That's why we're dedicated to creating an environment that celebrates and supports a wide range of voices and perspectives. We encourage creativity and the sharing of ideas; a space where everyone is valued and treated with respect, where every member of our community has the opportunity to contribute their unique talents and ideas.

At dBs Institute, we’re nurturing a new generation of creative professionals who will use their skills and passion to make a positive impact on the world.

dBs Institute was acquired by ‘Access Creative College’ (ACC), formerly known as Access to Music, who were founded in 1992. dBs Instite as such are part of Access Education Group which boasts 32 campuses nationwide with over 5,000 students & apprentices across ACC, Access Sport and Access Industry.  This allows for a perfect synergy in offering end-to-end post-16 education in the creative industries which allow us to continue making a real difference in the lives of our students.

What we offer?

• Generous Holiday Allocation
• Wellbeing Benefits: Health Cash Plan, Doctorline GP Service, Employee Assistance Programme, Access to Counselling and Cycle to Work 
• Staff Discounts & Benefits: access to Accolade, our benefits platform which offers discounts at over 800 retailers!  
• Paid Leave: Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Sick pay.

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The hours of employment are determined by academic cycle requirements and may vary accordingly. Usual working days are Monday - Friday, occasionally you may be required to work outside of these days. Attendance at open events is mandatory.

A full job description and person specification is available for download alongside our full benefits booklet.  

Diversity and open expression are fundamental to creativity.  We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and inclusivity for all our employees and potential employees.

DBS Checks: Enhanced DBS clearance will be required.