Mental Health Adviser

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Information about the role
The Wellbeing Consultancy team acts as an initial point of contact for students, parents, academics and other stakeholders to disclose welfare or safety concerns about any Newcastle University student. The team offers responsive support and signposting for students experiencing high distress and mental health concern, as well as guidance and consultancy to university colleagues.

This vital role would suit a candidate with experience of working in dynamic and fast-paced settings with a passion for working in Higher Education. Experience of working in mental health or safeguarding, with high distress and complex presentations is essential. Please note the qualification expectations prior to applying.

The workload model is split between ‘duty' working - where the work is to assess and manage risk and complex mental health presentations - and follow up caseload intervention. The role is student-facing, requiring proactive engagement via in-person support, telephone calls, and online meetings.

You will work closely as part of a duty team, supporting colleagues and sharing responsibility for promoting student welfare, responding to concerns, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment. A strong team ethos and commitment to working together are essential.

The role is campus-based. There may be some flexible hybrid working dependent on service need. The fixed working hours are 29.6 hours per week, 4 days a week, between Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter (of no more than 2 sides A4) outlining how you meet the criteria in 'The Person' section (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button). There are also 3 mandatory questions to complete.

Interviews to be held on Monday 2nd November 2026.

Please contact Welfare and Counselling Service Manager, Kirsty Hutchinson, on kirsty.hutchinson@newcastle.ac.uk with any questions or for an informal discussion about the role.

The Role
To play a key role in contributing to a professional, specialist advice and guidance service to students with a range of mental health and wellbeing difficulties and vulnerabilities. This service enables students to engage in and access their studies and encourages academic progress and student retention.

To comprehensively respond to a range of concerns related to mental health and wellbeing risk and vulnerability, from a range of sources. This includes but is not limited to: external health and emergency services, students, families, academic and professional service colleagues, and other third parties.

To advise and support the wider HEI in relation to meeting the needs of students, acting as a source of knowledge and expertise on student mental health and welfare.

The role is campus-based. There may be some flexible hybrid working dependent on service need.

You will work closely as part of a duty team, supporting colleagues and sharing responsibility for promoting student welfare, responding to concerns, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment. A strong team ethos and commitment to working together are essential.

Qualifications

• A relevant professional qualification such as Mental Health Nurse/Social Worker/PWP/Counsellor, and/or substantial demonstrable expertise in mental health or safeguarding.
• Qualifications in or experience of working in a safeguarding or crisis management role is desirable.

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