Disability Adviser

Student Services at the University of Derby is committed to providing the best possible support services to our students, to enhance the student experience, to help students achieve their full potential and to meet the strategic aims of the University. These services are central to the student experience they are visible, seamless, effective and tailored to the needs of our student community. As part of this commitment, a transformational programme of work is underway in Student Services to ensure that the support we deliver not only meets the needs of our students but also enables delivery of a vision for a developmental and collaborative model of student services that supports a transformational educational experience for students. 

We are excited for this next chapter in our service and welcome applicants with vision, drive and a passion for supporting student success.

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. 

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. 

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Attend training and other events (e.g. meetings) to maintain the specialist skills and knowledge required for the post.
10. 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
11. Participate in external activities and organisations related to student support and wellbeing, where these benefit students and staff.