Apply

The Student Advocate’s Office (SAO) is an executive, non-partisan office of the ASUC. We offer free, confidential casework services and resources to any student(s) navigating issues with the University, including academic, conduct, financial aid, and grievance concerns. All support is centered around students and aims for an equity-based approach.

SAO caseworkers work with students on an individual, case-by-case basis, providing advice, support, and representation and helping students navigate various administrative processes. Caseworkers also participate in our extensive policy initiatives to improve University systems and practices for the benefit of students.

After selection, caseworkers are assigned to one of four divisions: Financial Aid, Academic, Conduct, or Grievance. Caseworkers are provided with training and shadow cases with senior staff members. As soon as they feel comfortable, new caseworkers may begin to handle cases on their own.

SAO caseworkers gain invaluable experience applying their communication and critical analysis skills to real student cases, while helping students to resolve their conflicts with the University. In particular, caseworkers are able to develop strong relationships with various members of the University’s administration, while working in an office with some of the most interesting and talented students on campus.

Applicants should possess strong analytical skills, a high level of motivation, and excellent communication skills. Our most important concern is that applicants will be committed to the work that we do. We encourage all majors and ages to apply. Please note that we are an undergraduate office, and do not have the capacity to take on graduate students at this time. However, if you are a graduate student, please email recruit@berkeleysao.org and we can pass your contact information along to the Graduate Student Assembly to indicate that you are interested in a similar role at the graduate student level.

All applicants must be free on Monday evenings from 8-10 PM PST for our general office and policy meetings. 

Each caseworker is required to fulfill 3 office hours per week. Because casework sometimes involves work outside of the office, working in SAO generally requires about 7-9 hours per week. Caseworkers are also required to be involved in at least one policy project of their choosing per semester. Additionally, all members of SAO must participate in occasional events to publicize the office’s services.

We accept applications at the beginning of every semester. To apply, you will answer questions through a written application and submit your materials to a google form.

If you have questions, feel free to email us at recruit@berkeleysao.org.

We also post updates and recruitment information on our social media. Stay up to date by following us on Facebook and Instagram!

Caseworkers have the option to receive a Holistic Caseworker Grant (HCG)each semester. The goal of this grant is to empower students who have been historically excluded from participating in SAO due to a lack of financial support which accompanies volunteer casework. The goal of our HCG program is to sustain students who face a high level of cost by committing time to SAO, as it might be more difficult for these individuals to sustain part time or full time employment as a result. HCGs are opt-in. Caseworkers can opt in by filling out a self assessment form to determine the funding they might be eligible for, and then request the funding they feel is most appropriate for their situation. Our leadership team does NOT evaluate caseworker needs. In the Spring 2023 semester, the average HCG was $580.54, the median was $600.00, the lowest was $100, and the highest was $2540.