Student Casework Manager(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

The University of Sussex is seeking an experienced and resilient Student Casework Manager to help oversee the delivery of casework across key student-facing processes, including Complaints, Student Discipline, and Criminal Convictions assessments. Working alongside an established Casework Manager, you will ensure that cases are handled promptly, fairly, and in line with institutional policies and national sector expectations.

A central part of this role involves managing highly sensitive and complex cases, including matters relating to sexual misconduct and other forms of serious student conduct. You will support the coordination and running of Misconduct Panel Hearings, provide informed guidance to senior decision-makers, and ensure that outcomes are proportionate, lawful and grounded in best practice.

You will act as a primary contact for the University’s engagement with the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA), offering expert insight on institutional responsibilities, risk management, and quality assurance of responses.

Beyond case management, the postholder will contribute to strengthening policies, systems, staff training and operational processes related to student conduct, safeguarding and complaints. The role requires strong partnership working with academic schools and professional services teams, always with a focus on student experience, legal compliance, and reputational protection.

Success in this role requires sound judgement, emotional intelligence, discretion, and a strong understanding of risk in a higher education setting.

About You

We are looking for a skilled caseworker with substantial experience handling complex, sensitive and high-risk cases—ideally within higher education, regulatory environments, safeguarding, or the criminal justice sector. You will bring:

Essential Attributes

• Strong investigation skills and experience working with a trauma-informed approach.
• Ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with distressing or challenging material.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the capacity to manage a varied caseload independently and support colleagues when needed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, enabling clear advice to stakeholders at all levels.
• A commitment to embedding equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work.
• Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).

Desirable Attributes

• Knowledge of higher education policies, student regulations or complaint processes.
• Experience of safeguarding and working with vulnerable individuals.
• Familiarity with the criminal justice system or regulatory frameworks.

About the Division

The role sits within the Student Experience Division, a professional services team dedicated to supporting students throughout their journey at Sussex. The division covers Academic Quality, Student Records, Careers & Entrepreneurship, Advice & Guidance, Complaints & Conduct, and Student Wellbeing.

Our mission is to ensure that all students receive high-quality support and have the environment they need to thrive personally and academically.

You can learn more about the division on the Student Experience webpage.

Why Work at Sussex

Our campus is beautifully situated on the edge of the South Downs, with easy transport links—just a five-minute walk from Falmer Station and well-connected bus routes. We support active travel with cycling paths and a cycle-to-work scheme, and offer reduced-rate staff parking for those who drive.

As a research-intensive international university, Sussex prides itself on its inclusive culture and the collective contribution of staff across all roles. Joining Sussex means becoming part of a collaborative community dedicated to excellence and innovation.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Key Information

• Closing date: 4 January 2026 (3:59 PM)
• Interviews: 21–23 January 2026
• Expected start date: February/March 2026
• The University requires all work to be performed within the UK.

Visa Sponsorship

This post may be eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. Review the University’s Skilled Worker Visa guidance for details.