COVENTRY UNIVERSITY

STUDENTS' UNION
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:

STUDENT UNION ASSISTANT

GRADE:

GRADE 1

DEPARTMENT:

CENTRAL SERVICES

RESPONSIBLE TO:

SENIOR RECEPTIONIST

RESPONSIBLE FOR:
PURPOSE:
Under the direction of the Senior Receptionist, to act as first point of contact for CUSU. To
assist the Finance & Operations Team in routine operations, including reception and the
CUSU Shop, ensuring that all enquiries and processes are handled effectively and
efficiently.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. To be a member of the Finance & Operations Team;
2. To serve customers and deal with enquires in a courteous and professional manner
ensuring that general queries and complaints are dealt with efficiently in accordance with
CUSU procedures;
3. To use equipment as directed and within established procedures;
4. To ensure that stock, cash and equipment are securely handled following established
procedures and direction;
5. To work within environmental guidelines to ensure waste is disposed of according to
established procedures, promotional materials are distributed sensibly and energy use is
minimised;
6. To assist in the operation of safe & efficient services as required to include moving and
lifting stock & equipment;
7. To assist in the provision of quality customer focused services to include the active
retailing of products and the promotion of services and events;
8. To use the EPOS system according to procedures to include the processing of financial
transactions which will include the safe handling of cash as directed and within
established procedures;

JE Panel July 2015

9. To deal with customer enquiries at the reception desk, giving out information about
CUSU and directing customers throughout the building;
10. To answer the switchboard when required and take messages as appropriate;
11. To issue NUS Extra cards and assist in providing point of sale for Union Services and
tickets, handling cash, using electronic till system and credit card machine etc.
12. To assist in maintaining the CUSU notice boards and information displays and to
distribute promotional materials as directed within the City Centre Campus:
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
13. To maintain contact with other staff to ensure the smooth running of services;
14. To assist in the safe evacuation of the premises as directed and within established
procedures.
15. To attend all training and meetings and be familiar with all relevant legislation and
procedures;
16. To complete timesheets and logs according to established procedures;
17. To wear uniform as directed and adopt an excellent standard of personal hygiene;
18. To ensure that all CUSU procedures and policies are followed;
19. To work flexibly - this may at times include weekends and evenings, and to be available
for key and high profile events e.g. Fresher's Week.
20. Being aware of environmental issues in all aspects of the post and the CUSU
Environmental policy and procedures.
21. To adhere to CUSU financial regulations.
22. Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade range of the post.

I have read, understood and agree to the above duties.

SIGNED:

DATE:

PRINT NAME:

JE Panel July 2015

PERSON SPECIFICATION
POST: STUDENT UNION ASSISTANT

CRITERIA

(E)
ESSENTIAL

MEASURED BY:

(D)
DESIRABLE
1

Qualifications and Training

1.1

Equivalent Level 2 qualifications which demonstrate

proven numeracy and literacy skills (e.g. GCSE Maths
and English)
Currently studying on a higher education course
Experience

1.2
2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8

Experience of promoting events and activities

(work or course related)
Experience of working in a busy environment
Experience of providing clerical and/or reception
support
Experience of dealing directly with internal and external
clients/customers
Experience of customer service
Knowledge, Skills and Ability
Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Office applications
i.e. Word, Excel and Email
Understanding of the need for confidentiality
Good interpersonal skills both face to face and by
telephone
Excellent customer care skills
Ability to work under pressure and to prioritise workload
Knowledge of the Coventry University Students Union
Cash handling/petty cash systems
Ability to maintain administrative systems
Disposition/Attitude

A, D

A, D

A, I, R

A, I, R

A, I, R

A, I, R

A, I, R

A, I

A, I

A, I, R

E
E
E
D
D

A, I, R
A, I, R
A, I
A, I
A, I

4.1

Excellent oral & written communication skills

I, R

4.2

Work on your own initiative without close supervision on

routine processes

I, R

JE Panel July 2015

Values and Attitudes.

The successful candidate will be expected to comply with all CUSUs policies and
procedures. They will need to be enthusiastic and adaptable and be willing and able to work
in a student led democratic environment.
Measured by is method by which you will be asked to demonstrate:
A)
Application form
I) Interview
T)
Test/Exercise
D)
Documentation
R)
References

JE Panel July 2015