Disability Adviser

About the role

You will be working with the Deputy Head of Student Services (Disability) and will provide operational disability management across the team of disability advisers providing a depth and breadth of disability expertise, management, advice, and guidance.

You will support the Deputy Head to embed inclusive practice and to enhance the experience, engagement, and learning outcomes of disabled students.

You will work collaboratively with a range of academic and support staff across the university in facilitating support and access to all aspects of university life for students with disabilities.

This role is part time, 30 hours per week.

Interview Date - 3rd October 2024

About You

You will possess excellent knowledge of the statutory, regulatory and legislative frameworks that apply to student disability support and a sound understanding of the challenges of working within Student Services.

You will have significant and demonstrable experience of leading, managing, motivating and developing a professional service team(s) to achieve organisational aims and will be able to demonstrate the ability to work to budget within a given framework of resource.

You will be successful at building highly effective working relationships with a wide range of colleagues and adopt an insightful and pragmatic approach to the management of operations across the Disability Service and wider Student Services.

Principal accountabilities

• To manage a caseload of disabled applicants and students to provide advice, information and assessment and to co-ordinate strategies and support to address disabled students’ needs.
• Provide informed advice, guidance and support to students with disabilities, through day- to-day enquires, casework and scheduled appointments, (including creating Support Plans for dissemination, provision of study skills tutors, support workers and other support, and reviewing arrangements with students at appropriate intervals);

employing appropriate empathy when dealing with students who may be experiencing levels of distress.

• To regularly review with the student and the course team that the support in place remains appropriate documenting all interaction(s) on case recording systems.
• Advise and assist students to apply for to relevant funding which they are entitled to, for example the Disabled Students Allowance;

liaising with Needs Assessors as required.

Be aware of, and liaise with, external agencies (e.g. Student Finance England, DSA Needs Assessment Centres, External Support Agencies) to progress students’ claims;

assist in the arrangement of student support and resolve problems where appropriate.

• Work in partnership with the Colleges and other university departments providing information and advice to ensure that staff are aware of the needs of students with disabilities and of their responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010, facilitating appropriate consideration of anticipatory adjustments and alternative forms of assessment, as well as resolving individual casework, and ensuring that issues are identified and addressed effectively and in a timely manner.
• Contribute to staff development and disability awareness for university teaching and professional service staff on issues relating to the provision of support for students with disabilities, Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLDs) and mental health difficulties;

contributing to training and guidance provided to academic and professional service staff.

• Working with the Disability Services Manager, contribute to policy development in relation to the provision of services to students with a disability, Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLDs) and / or mental health difficulty.
• Attend training and other events (e.g. meetings) to maintain the specialist skills and knowledge required for the post.
• Contribute to raising awareness of disability within the student population through collaboration with colleagues within the Student Services, professional services and the Colleges.

Prepare and deliver a range of advice and guidance sessions at various inductions, Open Day and admissions events throughout the year

Participate in external activities and organisations related to student support and wellbeing, where these benefit students and staff.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent experience
• A professional qualification relating to the area of disability (or equivalent applied experience) and / or membership of a professional body such as NADP (National Association of Disability Practitioners)

Experience

• Evidence of previous experience of working with disabled students, making recommendations for reasonable adjustments in a Higher Education context, including an excellent understanding of the Disabled Students’ Allowances scheme
• Experience of co-ordinating complex student case work to ensure an excellent student experience
• Experience of working with clients over a sustained period and of maintaining accurate case notes and files
• Demonstrable experience of anticipating needs and designing and implementing an inclusive environment in adherence to the social model of disability
• Demonstrable experience of using initiative and creativity to resolve problems, devising varied solutions and approaching the problem from different perspectives
• Experience of Safeguarding, Cause for Concern and related regulations and policies

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• A commitment to delivering a professional and customer focused service, responding to and meeting customer needs and adapting service delivery as required
• Proven ability to work on own initiative, actively seeking new and improved ways of working and evidence of excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise a wide range of tasks whilst working under pressure and to deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to respond sensitively and appropriately to the needs of students and staff
• Good understanding of issues affecting disabled students and potential barriers to accessing and succeeding in higher education
• Knowledge and experience in using a range of dyslexia screening tools.
• Excellent administrative, record keeping and organisational skills
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to disability with particular reference to Higher Education
• Knowledge of appropriate assistive technology to support students with a wide range of needs
• Evidence of a commitment to training and continuing Professional Development, so as to ensure up-to-date knowledge of developments within the H.

E. sector, as well as within the university

Business Requirements

• Willingness and flexibility to travel and work between University and external sites in a cost effective and timely manner
• Willingness and ability to work occasional weekends and late nights where appropriate e.g. to support open day events

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Discounted access to Devonshire Spa
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development
5 days ago