Student Assistant

£23,400 - £23,400

Job Description

The Queen's University Widening Participation Unit (WPU) require Student Assistants to provide support for a range of events and activities across our key programmes. These programmes are delivered with WPU key stakeholders, including but not limited to, primary and, secondary school pupils and current Queen's University students and cover a range of activities including; campus visits, summer residentials, and university Taster days. The majority of events run throughout the academic year between the hours of 9.00 am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. WPU also deliver Summer Residential activities outside Term Time. Full training for the role will be provided. Please note that the hours of the role will be dependent on scheduled events. 

Posts are available from 1st April 2025 to the 14th September 2025 in the first instance, with the possibility of extension into academic year 2025/2026, subject to a continuing right to work in the UK, active registration on Qwork, re-registration with the University in September 2025 and being a registered student of the University for the full duration of the post.     

Working variable hours, as and when required, up to a maximum of fifteen hours per week during term-time with the potential for additional hours outside of term-time based on the study level (UG/PGT/PGR) of the candidate appointed.   

Student Assistants act as a role model and ambassador for Higher Education and support the work of the Widening Participation Unit in the delivery of aspiration and attainment raising programmes. This includes:   

Engaging with pre-entry students, ranging from P7 to Year 13 ? 14 pupils (referred to hereafter as programme participants) involved in Queen's Academy and/or other post-primary schools in addition to students from colleges and Community Education Centre's participating in the various WPU programmes;   

To act as a role model and ambassador for Higher Education to programme participants providing potential students with an enthusiastic insight into life at Queen's;   

To provide assistance to Widening Participation Outreach Officers through facilitating small group discussions and activities on subjects relevant to programme participants;   

To assist in motivating and encouraging programme participants to engage fully in all aspects of the delivered programmes;   

Dealing with queries to include signposting programme participants to suitable sources of help, support and guidance (training will be provided for the purposes of this duty);    

To have knowledge of the Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Groups Act (training also to be provided by Widening Participation in line with QUB code of practice and good conduct policies);  

Carry out any other duties which are appropriate to the post as may be reasonably requested by the supervisor. 

The requirements of these posts are that applicants must be currently registered and attending a course at Queen's University, Belfast. Students applying for this post MUST be able to evidence in writing how they meet the essential and desirable criteria outlined below. Students who DO NOT provide evidence will not be shortlisted and the application will not be considered.    



Qualifications

Registered students (undergraduate and postgraduate) at Queen's University Belfast for academic year 2024/2025.  



Skills

Essential Criteria:   

Registered students (undergraduate and postgraduate) at Queen's University Belfast for academic year 2024/2025.  

All students for whom English is not their first language must have achieved a minimum pass mark of 7.0 in the writing and speaking band of IELTS (International English Language Test Score) or equivalent. (Please note a copy of your IELTS results will be requested by email to your QUB email address following submission of your application). 

An understanding of the issues and barriers pupils from Widening Participation backgrounds face when considering or applying to Higher Education;   

Experience of working within a team;   

Experience of working with young people;   

Applicants should have knowledge and an awareness of a range of Queen's University Schools/ Departments and Services    

Interested in assisting and motivating young people from disadvantaged backgrounds progress to higher education;   

Desirable Criteria:   

Experience of working effectively in a supportive capacity with young people through engagement as a volunteer or as member of a social organisation;    

Knowledge and/or experience of the Widening Participation Programmes currently offered by Queen's University;   

Experience in leading and managing groups of young people;   

Experience in facilitating small group discussion;   

Knowledge of the Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Groups Act and experience of applying that knowledge.   

 

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Other general admin related duties may be required to assist with survey preparation, collection and curation of current, prospective and previous surveys. 

 

This work forms part of the Groundswell Project, based in the Centre for Public Health, Royal Victoria Hospital. The successful applicant will be expected to perform their duties on site. 

 

Please provide an up-to-date CV with education and employment history, including any paid and voluntary roles. 



Qualifications

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Skills

Essential criteria: 

  • Registered student/staff at Queen?s University Belfast. 
  • Highly proficient in Excel and Microsoft Office 

Desirable criteria:

  • Experience of taking initiative and solving problems in a working/volunteering environment with minimal supervision.
  • Willingness to complete the training required to undertake the role.

Willingness and ability to work flexible hours if required

Queen?s University seek to recruit a number of Activity Leaders to deliver safe, progressive and enjoyable activities to children of all ages and abilities in the Queen?s Sport Summer Activity Scheme.  You will assist the Co-ordinator and Team Leaders in planning and implementing a programme of activities that will include teaching/coaching a variety of sporting and non-sporting activities. 

You will assist in the supervision and safeguarding of children participating in the scheme, overseeing the general safety and behaviour. You will be provided with training prior to the scheme starting and the role will involve an element of manual handling, assembling and dismantling the equipment as required for use in activities. 

You will be customer orientated with good communication skills and you will have the ability to use initiative and work unaccompanied.  This is a full-time position from 23 June ? 15 August 2025 (inclusive to staff training) and successful candidates will be expected to have availability throughout this period. The post meets the definition of regulated activity and requires an enhanced disclosure check and references.

The Summer Scheme at Queen?s Sport is a popular programme that offers children aged 6 - 14 years old a high-quality activity experience. Children can learn new skills that promote an active lifestyle by providing opportunities to try new sports in a fun and supportive environment. You will also be supervising and safeguarding our Junior Leader Programme which is for 15-17 year olds. 

Further information about the Directorate can be found at ?http://www.queenssport.com/

JOB PURPOSE:

 Assist the Co-ordinator and Team Leaders as required in planning and implementing a programme of activities that will include teaching/coaching a variety of sporting and non-sporting activities.

MAIN ACTIVITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist the Co-ordinator and Team Leaders as required in planning and implementing a programme of activities that will include

Assist in the supervision and safeguarding of the children participating in the scheme, overseeing the general safety and behaviour of the children and directing activities to prevent injury, misuse and damages to facilities or equipment.

Assemble and dismantle the equipment as required for use in activities.

To carry out duties in a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and profile of the Queen?s Sport.

Any other relevant duties as may be required for the period of the summer scheme.

PLANNING AND ORGANISING:

Assist with planning and organising a weekly programme of sporting and non-sporting activity for 7 weeks.

Plan and organise coaching / instructional sessions on a daily basis.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES (e.g. People, Finance, Equipment):

Ensure the safety and well-being of children through the delivery of an enjoyable programme of sporting and non-sporting activity.

Responsible for set-up and take down of equipment required for programme delivery.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Liaise with parents on a daily basis.

Communicate / work effectively with Queen?s Sport staff on a regular basis.



Qualifications

ESSENTIAL

A minimum of 3 GCSEs (Grade C or above) or equivalent, including English Language and a mathematical based subject plus a teaching or coaching qualification in sport(s), physical education, or arts and crafts.

DESIRABLE

Qualified Primary School Teacher.

Level 1 National Governing Body Coaching Award.

Current First Aid qualification.

Safeguarding in Sport Qualification 



Skills

Recent relevant experience of teaching or coaching children (paid or voluntary) on a part time basis for a minimum of 6 months OR 3 months experience of teaching children in a structured environment on a full time basis. Note that those whose experience is gained as part of a teaching qualification must demonstrate a minimum of 3 months i.e. 12 weeks experience within a classroom.

DESIRABLE

Cleaning experience.

Experience in teaching/coaching swimming, rugby, Gaelic games, soccer, basketball, dance, netball, hockey or other sports activities.

Recent experience of working as an activity leader at a Summer Activity Scheme.

Recent experience working with young people ie in a Youth Club setting

Recent experience of implementing safe sporting and non-sporting activities to young people following health & safety and safeguarding guidelines within an education and/or sporting context.

 

Other Skills/Knowledge

Sporting or cultural interests.

 

Presentation

Demonstrate good communication skills.

 

Personal Qualities

Ability to respond clearly to direction.

Customer oriented.

Ability to use initiative and work unaccompanied.

Desire to contribute and demonstrate commitment to team.

Ability to work flexible hours.

Queen?s University seek to recruit a number of Team Leaders to work for 8-week period from the 23rd June. The post holders will assist in the co-ordination and delivery of a programme of supervised indoor and outdoor activities, across a variety of sporting and non-sporting themes. You will assist with the supervision and safeguarding of Activity Leaders, Junior Leaders and casual coaches in delivering safe, progressive and enjoyable activities suitable for children of all ages and abilities.

You will be the first point of contact for enquiries from parents and will ensure all incidents and accidents including health and safety and safeguarding are recorded and reported to the Summer Scheme Co-ordinator on a daily basis. You will assist in the supervision and safeguarding of the children participating in the scheme, overseeing the general safety and behaviour of the children by directing and supervising activities to prevent injury, misuse and damages to facilities or equipment.

You will have excellent communication skills and the ability to provide clear direction and guidance. This is a full-time position from 23 June ? 15 August 2025 (inclusive to staff training) and successful candidates will be expected to have availability throughout this period. The post meets the definition of regulated activity and requires an enhanced disclosure check and references.

The Summer Scheme at Queen?s Sport is a popular programme that offers children aged 6 - 14 years old a high-quality activity experience. Children can learn new skills that promote an active lifestyle by providing opportunities to try new sports in a fun and supportive environment. You will also be supervising our Junior Leadership programme which is for 15-17 year olds experiencing coaching for the first time.

Further information about the Directorate can be found at ?http://www.queenssport.com/

 

MAIN ACTIVITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist the Co-ordinator as required in planning and implementing a programme of supervised indoor and outdoor activities, across a variety of sporting and non-sporting themes.

To assist with the supervision and safeguarding of Activity Leaders, Junior Leaders and casual coaches in delivering safe, progressive and enjoyable activities suitable for children of all ages and abilities.

Be the first point of contact for enquiries from parents and ensure all incidents and accidents including health & safety and safeguarding are recorded and reported to summer scheme co-ordinator on a daily basis.

Assist in the supervision of the children participating in the scheme, overseeing the general safety and behaviour of the children by directing and supervising activities to prevent injury, misuse and damages to facilities or equipment.

To undertake training relevant to the post.

To carry out duties in a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and profile of the Queen?s Sport.

Any other relevant duties as may be required for the period of the summer scheme.

PLANNING AND ORGANISING:

Assist with co-ordination of a 7-week programme of sporting and non-sporting activity.

Plan weekly work programmes for team of 4 Activity Leaders.

Plan and organise sporting and non-sporting activities for group of children on a daily / weekly basis.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES (e.g. People, Finance, Equipment):

Manage work programme of 4 Activity Leaders on a weekly basis.

Facilitate weekly meetings with Activity Leaders.

Responsible for health, safety, safeguarding and well being of approximately 45 children on a daily basis with activity leaders.

Assist with management of inventory.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Liaise with Co-ordinator on a daily basis.

Liaise with parents on a daily basis.

Liaise with administrative and operational staff within Queen?s Sport on a regular basis.



Qualifications

A minimum of 5 GCSEs (Grade C or above) or equivalent, including English Language and a mathematical based subject.

DESIRABLE

A sports leader award or coaching award in any sport.

Be a qualified school teacher with a minimum of one year?s teaching experience within the previous five years.

First Aid qualification.

Previous experience of supervising staff in a children?s scheme or other sporting initiative.

Hold a current valid driving licence and have use of a car during the scheme.



Skills

ESSENTIAL 

Previous experience as an Activity Leader for a minimum period of four months within the last two years OR as a Team Leader for a minimum period of two months within the last year in other sporting or non sporting initiatives for children.

DESIRABLE

Recent experience in working with children (full-time or part-time) for a minimum period of six months (within the last 2 years).

Recent experience of implementing safe sporting and non-sporting activities to young people within an education and/or sporting context.

Recent experience managing staff in a sporting and non-sporting setting

 

Other Skills/Knowledge

Sporting or cultural interests.

Good organisational and motivational skills.

Demonstrate good communication skills.

 

Presentation

Neat and tidy appearance.

 

Personal Qualities

Ability to respond clearly to direction.

Ability to provide clear direction and guidance.

Customer oriented.

Ability to use initiative and work unaccompanied.

Desire to contribute and demonstrate commitment to team.

Ability to work flexible hours.

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