Join Colchester Institute – Where Your Career Makes a Difference
At Colchester Institute, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. As one of the leading providers of education and training in the region, we are proud to offer a dynamic, supportive, and forward-thinking working environment.
We are seeking an ESOL Support Officer to join our team. In this role you will provide a high-quality, flexible and customer-focused support service to ESOL applicants and students, helping them successfully navigate the journey from application through to enrolment.
You will guide learners through key College processes, including applications, bursary enquiries and applications, fee assessments and enrolment, ensuring they receive timely, accurate and compassionate support. Working closely with Student Services, Finance, Registry, Admissions, Curriculum Support and academic teams, you will build strong working relationships to deliver a seamless experience for ESOL learners. You will develop a thorough understanding of the ESOL curriculum area, respond to enquiries, provide effective administrative support, and help ensure College policies and procedures are followed. As part of the wider Student Services team, you will also contribute to departmental activities and support the continuous improvement of the student experience.
Job title: ESOL Support Officer
Part Time, Colchester Campus
25 Hours per week, 52 weeks per year
About the role:
- To provide an excellent customer experience as the first point of contact and specific contact for ESOL applicants and students, responding to enquiries, and providing support with College processes including applications to the College, bursary application, fee assessment and enrolling processes, Using a range of media, in accessible formats to ensure a smooth and supported transition into College.
- To undertake fee assessments for ESOL learners, ensuring up to date knowledge of immigration rules and the continuous development of processes to carry out fee assessments and provide a support service for non-UK nationals. To provide guidance and support to colleagues in this area so that applicants and students receive a high-quality service on overseas issues.
- To work alongside the designated admissions and curriculum support staff supporting the admissions process for ESOL, assisting with processing student applications to the college, arranging interviews and students’ attendance at welcome days and enrolment. Supporting these activities in person, in accordance with College policies and procedures.
- To work with the ESOL curriculum area, as a key internal partner, building excellent working relationships and developing knowledge of the curriculum programmes and range of offer, including entry criteria, progression routes and key events throughout the academic year.
- Be confident in delivering feedback to applicants and students in an empathetic and understanding manner. Be able to assess and manage the different reactions of customers while maintaining professionalism.
- To assist in the accurate and efficient processing of applications in line with college policy and procedures, working with College databases, systems and a variety of software packages to support processes, including running data reports, preparing letters, and preparing written correspondence to a high standard of presentation, accuracy and speed.
- To support key activities and processes throughout the academic year, including, for example, enrolment, funding assessments, parent reports and open/advice events, progress boards, student interviews and welcome/induction days.
Essential Experience:
- Knowledge of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses
- Excellent customer services skills
- Excellent organisational skills
- Excellent attention to detail Experience of data handling including personal and sensitive data.
- Experience of adapting resources utilising accessibility tools and various forms of media.
- An understanding of Diversity, Equity and inclusion and its application within the College environment Working knowledge of Safeguarding within Education.
Essential Qualifications:
- Minimum of Level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics GCSE 4+ or C and above / CSE Level 1 / O-Level C or above / Level 2 Adult Numeracy or Literacy or equivalent
Why join us?
At Colchester Institute, we value our staff and invest in their growth. Joining us means becoming part of a vibrant community dedicated to excellence in education and training. If you are passionate about making a difference and inspiring the next generation, we would love to hear from you.
We do not engage with recruitment or search agencies unless they have been officially contracted in line with our PSL.
