Independent living advisor jobs in manchester

Please Note: We do not accept applications via external websites or CVs via email. Please apply via our website.

Are you someone who thrives on helping others, solving problems, and making a tangible difference in people’s lives? We’re looking for a committed and empathetic Student Advisor to join the Advice Service team at the University of Manchester Students’ Union (UMSU). 

In this vital role, you’ll provide free, independent, and confidential advice to students across a range of key areas. We are looking for someone who will be able to support students professionally and with a high level of empathy, ensuring they feel heard, informed, and empowered to take the next steps. 

You’ll enjoy this role if you’re interested in the law and getting to grips with regulations, policies and procedures, so you can help students to understand their rights and resolve the problems they face. As a Student Advisor, you will be able to respond sensitively and compassionately to students in distress or facing crisis and will have an ability to give practical and emotional support. Excellent communication skills are essential. 

The Advice Service also provides a supported self-help offer and as a team we deliver promotional and preventative campaigns. This role will really suit you if you’re enthusiastic and approachable and would enjoy speaking to students and our stakeholders in a variety of settings. We’re also looking for candidates with an interest for writing social media and website copy and would like to be involved in designing and delivering presentations, interactive stalls, training and workshops. 

You’ll be part of a small, supportive and dedicated team, working in a busy, varied environment that puts student wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. You’ll have access to training and continuing professional development to help you excel as a Student Advisor. You’ll also have regular opportunities for reflection and support for your wellbeing, including access to external restorative supervision.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver One-to-One Support: Provide impartial, confidential advice on academic concerns (appeals, complaints, disciplinaries), housing issues, financial support, and personal or welfare-related challenges. 
• Support in Crisis: Offer guidance and emotional support to students experiencing difficult or distressing circumstances, such as mental health issues, sexual violence, harassment, or financial insecurity. 
• Create and Share Resources: Develop accessible self-help materials (articles, videos, workshops) to empower students and reduce reliance on one-to-one services. 
• Promote the Service: Take part in outreach activities, including campaigns, events, and training, to raise awareness and improve access to advice and support. 
• Track and Report Issues: Use our case management system to record casework clearly and securely and help monitor trends in student issues to inform future campaigns. 
• Collaborate and Contribute: Work closely with colleagues across UMSU to support key periods like Welcome Week and elections, contributing to a supportive and inclusive student experience. 

We’re looking for someone who: 

• Communicates with clarity, compassion, and confidence. 
• Is emotionally resilient and able to manage sensitive or complex situations calmly. 
• Understands the importance of impartiality, confidentiality, and professionalism. 
• Is highly organised with strong attention to detail and time management skills. 
• Can create clear, engaging written resources and deliver effective presentations. 
• Is confident using IT systems and comfortable with data and record keeping. 

Previous experience in advice, welfare, support work, or student services is helpful, but we welcome applications from those with transferable skills and a genuine passion for student support.  

The Essentials 

• Salary: £27,013 - £30,237 per annum 
• Contract: Full-time, permanent (35 hours per week) 
• Location: Hybrid working – typically 3+ days per week in our Advice Office on campus 
• Eligibility: Open to applicants with relevant skills and experience who are eligible to work in the UK at the start of employment 

Recruitment Timeline

Applications opened: 5th December 2025

Applications close: 5th January 2026 23:59

Interviews: 16th January 2026 (online option available)

Role Commencing: 26th January 2026

We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Once the vacancy has closed, we’re unable to accept late applications to ensure a fair process for all candidates.

Why Join Us? 

At UMSU, you’ll be part of a supportive, inclusive, and values-driven organisation that champions student empowerment. We offer opportunities for professional development, a collaborative team culture, and the chance to make a real and lasting impact in students’ lives. 

Sound like the right fit? Apply now and join a team that’s here to make student life better. 

We are seeking a passionate and committed Young People Support Worker to help young care leavers build confidence, independence and brighter futures.

Position: Young People Support Worker – Salford, Eccles

Salary: £27,136 per year plus pension and benefits

Location: Salford

Hours: 37.5 per week on average - varied shifts based on young people’s needs

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Sunday 14th December 2025

About the role

In this rewarding role, you will provide practical and emotional support to young people aged 16 and over as they move towards independent living. You’ll build trusted relationships, help them develop life skills, and guide them through key transitions including leaving care, managing a tenancy and accessing education, training or employment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing a caseload of young people and delivering personalised support plans

• Carrying out risk assessments and maintaining accurate case records

• Supporting young people to build resilience, life skills and independence

• Providing one to one and group support sessions

• Encouraging engagement in education, training, volunteering or work

• Working closely with local partners and statutory services

• Ensuring safeguarding and emergency procedures are always followed

• Helping new residents settle into their accommodation

• Supporting meaningful activities and positive social opportunities

• Maintaining a safe environment for young people, staff and visitors

This is a varied role that may include daytime, evening, weekend or occasional night work depending on the needs of the young people you support.

About you

We’re looking for someone empathetic, reliable and genuinely motivated to help young people achieve their goals.

We are looking for:

• Experience of working with young care leavers

• An understanding of the needs of people who have experienced homelessness, poor mental health, substance misuse, those that are care experienced

• A knowledge and understanding of Risk Assessments and Support Planning

• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills

• Able to demonstrate clear understanding of Safeguarding requirements and procedures

• Commitment to promoting an environment, which has the highest regard for the Health and Safety of others

• Personal and professional integrity

• Ability to prioritise and manage your own time

• High level understanding of professional boundaries and ability to maintain these

• Effective collaborative working

About the organisation

You’ll be joining a service dedicated to preventing homelessness and helping young people build the skills and resilience they need to live independently. The team provides structured support in the community and works closely with local partners to ensure young people have every opportunity to thrive. Full induction, ongoing training and regular reflective practice are provided to help you succeed in your role.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Support Worker, Housing Support Worker, Leaving Care Worker, Young Persons Advisor, Youth Worker, Tenancy Support Worker, Outreach Support Worker, Progression Coach, etc.

Role Overview

Are you organised, enthusiastic, and eager to develop your skills?  This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working with numbers, systems, and people. You’ll play a key role in supporting and delivering the charity’s financial strategy and enabling the Trustees to fulfil their legal and fiduciary obligations by delivering NWLC operations.

Purpose of the Role

The Finance & Operations Manager will play a key role in ensuring the financial health and effective administration of the charity, which is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by respiratory conditions. Working closely with the Board of Trustees and Finance committee, the postholder will provide financial oversight, manage risk, and undertake the administrative functions required to support the smooth running of the charity.