Student Support Assistant
Publish Date:
Help shape a service that supports students to meet their basic needs and thrive at university. We’re recruiting for two exciting student staff roles within Essentials, and whether you’re interested in frontline support or proactive outreach, this is an opportunity to make a real difference while developing valuable skills.
Essentials, the University of Manchester Students’ Union’s Basic Needs Centre, supports students with food, finances and other essential needs. As students face increasing challenges around the cost of living, financial wellbeing and food security, demand for support continues to grow- with around 400 students accessing our support each week. Our work is rooted in dignity, inclusion and practical support, helping students feel welcomed and able to access the support they need.
We are recruiting for two roles: Basic Needs Assistant and Financial Wellbeing Assistant. While the focus of each role is different, both are central to helping us deliver accessible, student-led support.
As a Basic Needs Assistant, you’ll be part of the day-to-day running of the Basic Needs Centre, Pantry and Wardrobe. Basic Needs Assistants act as a first point of contact for students, welcome people into the service, answer questions, provide signposting, and help maintain a safe and supportive space. You’ll also support pantry operations, including weekly stock checks, restocking supplies and helping ensure students can access essential items with dignity and ease. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys practical support, student-facing work and contributing to a busy support service.
As a Financial Wellbeing Assistant, you’ll focus on proactive engagement and student outreach. Financial Wellbeing Assistants support the delivery of workshops, events and outreach stands that help students build confidence around money and financial wellbeing. Working closely with our Senior Financial Wellbeing Coordinator, you’ll help promote support services, contribute ideas for engaging students in creative ways, and support initiatives that respond to the financial challenges students face. This role is ideal for someone interested in peer support, facilitation and financial wellbeing work.
Both Basic Needs Assistants and Financial Wellbeing Assistants will receive training and support, and we’re looking for people who bring similar skills and values to either role. We want applicants who communicate well, work collaboratively, show empathy and initiative, and can manage competing demands in a busy environment. We’re especially interested in people who are curious, growth-minded and motivated to improve support for students.
Details
Hours: Approximately 6-10 hours per week during term-time dependent on service need
Eligibility: Open to applicants with relevant skills and experience who are eligible to work in the UK, a current student at University of Manchester, and graduate in 2027 or later.
Recruitment Timeline
Applications opened: 11th May 2026
Applications close: 24th May 2026 23:59 pm
Assessment Centre: 16th June 2026 (Please ensure you are available for this date. Should you be successful you will be required to attend an in-person interview with limited flexibility due to the nature of the assessment)
Role Commencing: 3rd Aug 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.
Once you have submitted your application, you will not be able to make any further changes. Please ensure you are happy with your responses before submitting.
Details
Company: University of Manchester Students' Union
Location: Oxford Road, Manchester
Contract: Zero Hours
Wage: £13.45 per hour + holiday pay
To apply for this job please visit umsu.staffsavvy.me.