Student Advocate

Job Description

• Full-time, Ongoing position
• Flexible campus location with hybrid work arrangements
• Salary: HEW Level 7 $79,255 - $84,314 per annum (Higher Education Industry General Staff Award)

Empower students to understand their rights and navigate complex university processes with confidence. Provide confidential, trauma-informed advocacy that helps students navigate misconduct matters and access appropriate support.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Student Advocate to join the Student Representation, Advocacy and Wellbeing team at the Western Sydney University Student Union. In this rewarding role, you will provide confidential, trauma-informed advocacy and individual support to students navigating academic and general misconduct, grievance and disciplinary processes. You will help students understand their rights and options, interpret relevant policies, and prepare submissions, appeals, statements and other supporting documentation. You will accompany students to formal meetings and hearings, advocate for fair treatment and procedural fairness, and coordinate referrals to appropriate University, legal, health and community services. Through effective case management, you will maintain accurate and confidential records while managing multiple matters within required timeframes. Working collaboratively with students, University staff, student leaders and external agencies, you will help create coordinated, student-centred support pathways. You will also contribute to the development of resources and information sessions that build awareness of misconduct processes, respectful relationships and available support services.

What Success Looks Like:

Success in this role will be demonstrated through trusted advocacy, sound judgement and timely, coordinated support for students. This includes:

• Students receive clear, confidential guidance about their rights, options and relevant University processes.
• Written submissions, appeals and statements are accurate, well prepared and completed within required timeframes.
• Students are effectively represented in meetings and hearings, with procedural fairness supported throughout.
• Referrals and ongoing support are coordinated across appropriate internal and external services.
• Case records and reports are accurate, current and maintained in accordance with privacy and confidentiality requirements.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

The successful candidate will bring advocacy or case management experience, sound professional judgement and the ability to support students through complex and sensitive matters. They will demonstrate:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in law, social work, social sciences, psychology, education or a related field, or an equivalent combination of training and demonstrated experience.
• Proven experience providing individual advocacy, case management or support services, ideally within a university, community legal or youth support setting.
• Knowledge of misconduct and grievance processes in tertiary education, or the demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience providing trauma-informed support to people navigating sensitive or distressing circumstances.
• High-level communication, organisation and relationship-building skills, including the ability to manage confidential information, multiple cases and diverse stakeholder relationships.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Lauren Graham, Student Advocacy Service Manager, WSU Student Union via lauren.graham@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF1817O in your email.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Wednesday 23rd September 2026.
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of your working rights in Australia at time of application.

Belonging at Western

We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. For reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.

About Western Sydney University Student Union

Western Sydney University Student Union (WSUSU) is a newly established, student-led not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing student life across Western Sydney University campuses. WSUSU delivers services, programs, advocacy and opportunities that support student wellbeing, engagement, representation and belonging. Working in partnership with students, University stakeholders and the broader community, the Union is focused on building an inclusive, vibrant and student-centred culture across the University’s diverse campus communities. As a growing organisation in its establishment phase, WSUSU offers a unique opportunity to help shape systems, services and experiences that will have a lasting impact on the student community. For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.

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