Job Purpose
The Purpose of this role is to support the University in ensuring timely needs assessment and tailored provision for disabled students, providing access to appropriate resources and support to achieve their academic goals. The post holder will work closely with the university’s Disability Advisers and to provide a high-quality service, adhering to strict standards.
The Assistant Disability Adviser will be a member of the Disability Service, based within the Student & Academic Services Directorate and is expected to work closely with colleagues in the Disability Service and IT Services to ensure that tailored recommendations are made in line with individual needs. This will include conducting face to face and online appointments, producing detailed assessment reports liaising with internal and external stakeholders and supporting applications for funding. The Assistant Disability Adviser will support the work of the Disability Service in raising awareness of disability and inclusive practice in higher education, contributing to training and communications in collaboration with Disability Advisers.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Review of student’s medical evidence and registration information in advance of needs assessment.
2. Conduct high quality needs assessment including review of student’s history and support needs, identification of appropriate support strategies, arranging demonstration and trial of equipment/software and ensuring clear communication and management of follow up actions.
3. Write accurate and detailed needs assessment reports, tailored to the individual and their specific needs, providing rationale for recommended support strategies (in line with funding body guidance, where appropriate) and obtaining quotes as needed.
4. To pursue continuous professional development, Keep abreast of new developments in relation to best practise, legislation, research, assessment, support and technology for people with disabilities.
5. Keep confidential case notes and accurate documentation, preserving the confidential nature of the work and adhering to relevant GDPR requirements.
6. Respond to queries arising from Assessments and Reviews, including submission of revised or additional support recommendations and quotes.
7. Provide information and advice to prospective students with disabilities including SpLD on Open Days and Applicant Visit Days and to raise awareness of the remit of the Disability Service amongst students and staff, to encourage students with disabilities to register with the Disability Service.
8. To liaise with internal and external stakeholders and funding bodies as required.
9. To work flexibly and collaboratively with colleagues to ensure effective service delivery.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential:
A1 Scottish Credit & Qualification Framework Level 8 (HND, SVQ4) or equivalent and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).
A2 Understanding of and commitment to promoting equality and inclusion for people with disabilities.
A3 Knowledge of Disabled Students Allowance processes, practices, rules and guidance.
A4 Knowledge of relevant legislation relating to disability, equality and GDPR.
A5 Knowledge of Higher Education or Further Education sector.
A6 Knowledge of assistive technology and its applications for disabled students.
Desirable:
B1 Membership of appropriate professional organisation (e.g NADP, ADSHE or ATTANET).
Skills
Essential:
C1 Ability to work sensitively with students with disabilities in assessing their needs in relation to access to the curriculum and assistive technology.
C2 Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
C3 Ability to work autonomously and also contribute to a team.
C4 Ability to work in line with University policies and procedures with regards to supporting disabled students.
C5 Excellent time management skills and ability to adhere to strict deadlines.
C6 IT literacy in Microsoft Office and the experience of working with online databases and student records system.
C7 Ability to work flexibly to meet Service needs according to the demands of the academic year.
Experience
Essential:
E1 Practical experience of conducting needs assessments with disabled students in the Higher Education or Further Education Sector.
E2 Experience of working with stakeholders to ensure the implementation of support for disabled students.
E3 Experience of working with external agencies operating in the field of disability.
E4 Experience of supporting students with a mental health condition, autistic spectrum condition, dyslexia.
Desirable:
F1 Experience of delivering disability awareness training
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 6, £30,502 - £34,308 per annum.
This post is full time (35 hours p/w) and open ended. Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme
The post for which you are applying is considered “registered work” in terms of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Act. It requires the successful applicant to become a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme member prior to appointment. This check is necessary to ensure that the University of Glasgow fulfils its legal duties under the Act.
If you are successful in your application, the offer of employment will be subject to PVG Scheme membership. Further information is available at: https://www.mygov.scot/pvg-scheme/
Please note that under Section 34(1) of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 it is a criminal offence to apply to carry out or to carry out regulated work from which that individual is barred.
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.