Academic Registrar & Student Services / Disability and Dyslexia Service / LJA0042-2
Post Title
Disability Adviser (Dyslexia Specialist)
Contract Type (Permanent or Fixed Term – If Fixed-Term, please specify the duration)
Fixed-term (up to 12 months) Adoption leave cover
Hours of Work (If Part-Time or Semester, please specify hours and/or weeks per year)
Part-time (0.6 FTE, 3 days per week)
Grade and Salary (Pro-rata for part-time)
Salary (Grade H3): Pro rata of £38,167 to £49,091 per annum incl. of London Weighting
Purpose of the Role
To provide expert advice, guidance and information to disabled students and applicants.
Accountable to: Operations Manager, Disability and Dyslexia Service
Accountable for: N/A
Key Internal Relationships: Disability and Dyslexia Service staff; West London Assessment Centre staff; colleagues in other Student Services Departments
Key External Relationships: Student funding bodies.
Work of the Role
To provide expert advice, guidance and information to current and prospective disabled students with a particular focus on those with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties (SpLD). To undertake screenings of students with suspected SpLD and, if suitably qualified, to carry out diagnostic assessments for these students. Supporting students to make applications for DSA, liaising with academic schools and other departments, and delivery of dyslexia study skills sessions.
The post holder will also work with students with a range of other conditions such as medical conditions, sensory impairments, physical and mobility impairments, mental health conditions and Asperger syndrome.
To liaise with academic Colleges and other departments regarding the reasonable adjustments required for disabled students. To arrange access to support recommended in needs assessment reports.
Main Duties
1. Manage a caseload of existing and prospective disabled students to provide advice, guidance and information on the provision of support and facilities within the University.
2. Carry out initial interviews and provide an effective screening service for students with suspected SpLD.
3. If suitably qualified, to conduct diagnostic assessments according to current STEC (SpLD Test Evaluation Committee) Guidelines
4. Provide individual study skills sessions for students with SpLD.
5. Have knowledge of best practice in relation to students with SpLD in Higher Education, particularly with regard to assistive technology available to support students with dyslexia, and current and future legislative developments affecting disabled students.
6. Make recommendations regarding reasonable adjustments for disabled students, specifically those with SpLD.
7. Advise and support disabled students making applications for Disabled Students’ Allowances.
8. Advise students on the range of support available within the University including working closely with the Support Worker Co-ordinator and Study Skills Co-ordinator to make arrangements for support worker assistance when necessary.
9. Maintain confidential casenotes, including an electronic record of all contact with students.
10. Liaise with academic Colleges about support requirements, exam arrangements etc. and to provide training and specialist advice to academic staff when appropriate.
11. Liaise with external agencies and internal colleagues to make suitable support arrangements for disabled students, as appropriate.
12. Contribute towards the development of resources for staff and students. To facilitate staff development in the area of disability awareness.
13. Continue to develop and refine a support framework for disabled students across the University, for example through liaison with Admissions Tutors, Placement Officers, the Counselling Service, the Academic Skills Service, the Accommodation Service, Timetabling Department and Union of Brunel Students etc.
14. Participate in projects relating to disabled students in line with the University’s strategic plan and current equality legislation.
15. Keep up to date with best practice in relation to disabled students in Higher Education, particularly with regard to assistive technology and equipment available to support students, and current and future legislative developments.
16. Participate in meetings relevant to the post, including team meetings, Advisers’ meetings and meetings with academic Colleges and other departments.
17. To work collaboratively with other members of the Disability and Dyslexia Service and the West London Assessment Centre.
18. Provide advice and information to disabled staff as required.
Effective Behaviours
· Timeliness
· Meeting Deadlines
· Communication and Networking
· Networking across colleges
· Ability to negotiate and influence
· Ability to plan and organise own workload
· Ability to adapt to a flexible approach to the demands of a busy college/department in order to accommodate changes in priorities when required
University Policy on the Employment of Staff
· Undertake any other reasonable duties as required commensurate with the grade of the position.
· Adhere to and comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act in accordance with the University’s policies.
· Undertake all duties and responsibilities in compliance with the rules and regulations encompassing equal opportunities.
· Adhere, comply and work in accordance with University and Departmental policies, procedures and codes of conduct.
· Promote the University’s Environmental Policy and demonstrate commitment to it through actions and decision making.
· Actively participate in on-going professional development activities as requested.
Organisational ChartThe organisational chart comprises of the role, the manager of the role and any direct reports to the role
Person Specification / Competencies
Disabled applicants meeting the Essential criterion will be guaranteed an interview as part of the University’s commitment to Positive About Disabled People.
E / D / How Assessed1. Education: Qualifications & Training / Degree or equivalent.
Level 5 qualification for teachers of students with SpLDs
Level 7 qualification for teachers of students with SpLDs.
Assessment Practising Certificate issued by the Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (PATOSS) / E
E / D
D / Application form
2. Knowledge / Support requirements for disabled students, including knowledge of assistive technology and equipment.
Awareness of funding procedures and financial support available to disabled students.
Understanding of the issues facing disabled students wishing to enter Higher Education.
The impact of current equality legislation on universities. / E
E
E
E / Application form and Interview
3. Experience / Advising disabled adults, preferably in the context of Higher Education.
Working with disabled adults with a range of conditions including SpLDs, sensory and physical impairments, and advising on reasonable adjustments.
Record keeping, report writing and participation in project work.
Working both independently and as part of a team
Developing and delivering training courses. / E
E
E
E / D / Application form and Interview
4. Skills
Abilities / Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Capacity to deal with sensitive and complex issues and the ability to remain calm and diplomatic at all times.
Ability to exercise judgement in the appropriate management of a caseload.
Ability to work independently with students and use initiative to effectively find solutions to complex issues.
Excellent time management and organisational skills.
Ability to multi-task and be flexible in responding to the needs of the service.
Well-developed problem-solving skills.
Good IT skills: Word, Excel, email, databases.
Ability to deliver presentations and to facilitate training sessions for staff and students.
Ability to develop publicity materials, including writing articles, leaflet design and website design. / E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E / D
D / Application form and Interview
5. Additional Attributes Required
(Not Incorporated Above) / Friendly and helpful disposition.
An enthusiastic and supportive team member / E
E
6. Additional Requirements / Member of a professional body such as PATOSS, ADSHE
Ability to work with display screen equipment
Ability to manage prolonged sitting e.g. 1 hours plus / E
E / D
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