Educational establishments can be a bit tricky. Colleges often have mix of students, including 16/17 year olds, as well as over 18s. Universities are usually for over 18s, but they might share some facilities with a nearby higher education college, so it is not always clear cut. There is an example of a university disclosure policy here.

https://www2.uwe.ac.uk/services/Marketing/about-us/Human%20Resources/DBS_Disclosure_Policy.pdf

If the University do not think that a DBS is required for your job, then it should not be an issue. Their HR department should have checked the rules, before advertising the job.

What the PPU will make of it, is another matter. There is a section here which might, or might not, cover your role.

"Student Services department: Staff working on an individual basis primarily with students who might fall within the definition of regulated activity for adults or children may require an enhanced disclosure depending on the nature of the role. E.g. counsellors, mentors, student support workers, needs assessors, staff in the wellbeing area. Other SSD staff and student advisers who may, in the course of providing a service to all students, also meet individually with students who are classed as ‘vulnerable adults’ due to the activities they receive."

I think that if the PPU wanted to, they could stretch this definition out, to include your job, by describing you as a student support worker, who might have unsupervised contact with vulnerable adults. Although uni students, are over the age of 18, they could still be considered vulnerable young people.  

As for whether you should tell the PPU, I think the fact that the social worker knows, is enough for now. If the social worker decides to tell the PPU, then it could be awkward, but as I said at the start, it is for the University to decide if you are suitable for the job, not the PPU. The University is perfectly capable of doing their own risk assessment, if they think the job needs a risk assessment. It not for the PPU to tell them, if a risk assessment is required or not.

However, some PPUs might think it is their job to do that, and so they might try to interfere, but it will depend on the individual PPU and what they are like.

I've recently interviewed for a position which I felt went really well. At no point was I asked about any offences or whatnot. I spoke with my social worker a few days prior, that was just a general check in and I let them know I had an interview coming up for a job I think I'd quite enjoy and I reckon I'd be good at. It's nothing amazing but it's a night shift customer service rep for University accommodation. So basically I'll be at the reception desk and essentially there in case the students have any issues/need anything etc.

Now, as far as working I actually don't have any restrictions but I need to use common sense like applying to be a janitor in a school is obvious a bit silly. My social worker seemed a bit taken aback that I mentioned I never actually told my PPU that I'd applied/interviewing for this role as they felt they'd likely have to make a judgment call and potentially inform the company about my conviction as a safe guarding measure. I just advised that the students would all be 18+ and I have no restrictions regardless and considering I've now finished all my rehabilitation courses and essentially just running down the clock now I was surprised at their concern as surely they should feel comfortable that I can go back to being a productive member of society otherwise they wouldn't have signed off on my rehab completion..?

So needless to say, my optimism has been pretty shattered as I felt really strongly that I did well but I can't' help but feel my PPU will let them know what's up and that'll be that dumped again.