Disability Adviser

Randstad Student & Worker Support; North East; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad Student & Worker Support is seeking a Disability Adviser at Durham with hybrid working options. You will assess student needs, develop Support Plans, arrange exam concessions, and guide funding applications while ensuring GDPR compliance and effective liaison with colleges and external providers.

The role demands strong interpersonal skills, advocacy, and IT fluency to support students with diverse disabilities within a Higher Education setting.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience.
• Advisory or support experience with a complex caseload of individuals with disabilities.
• Experience conducting needs assessments and formulating practical support plans.
• Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and disability frameworks.
• Understanding of the social model of disability and reasonable adjustments.
• Excellent interpersonal and empathetic listening skills with time‑sensitive appointments.
• Advocacy and communication to influence academic staff and departments.
• IT proficiency and ability to learn bespoke student records systems quickly.
• Desirable HE advisory experience; specialist qualifications in SpLD/Autism or NADP membership.
• Knowledge of HE funding streams (DSA) and assistive software/hardware.
• Ability to analyze institutional data to identify accessibility gaps.

Responsibilities

• Deliver face‑to‑face and remote student appointments with varied durations.
• Assess student needs and create Disability Support Plans in the records system.
• Evaluate and process exam concessions and accommodations.
• Advise on external funding and DSA applications.
• Maintain GDPR‑compliant case notes and records.
• Coordinate with colleges, departments, and external agencies to implement adjustments.
• Provide guidance on inclusive practices and digital accessibility.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Empathetic listening

Advocacy

Communication

Time management

IT proficiency

Data handling

Education

Degree level or equivalent experience

Specialist qualification in SpLD/Autism/mental health support

Tools

Student records system

Job description

Department: Student Support Services / Disability Services

Reports To: Head of Disability Services / Disability Team Manager

Location: Durham - Hybrid working available (up to 2 days per week from home with remote appointments, or fully on-site if preferred).

Role Overview

The Disability Adviser is responsible for providing high-quality, proactive, and confidential support to students with disabilities, specific learning difficulties, neurodivergent conditions, and long‑term health conditions. This role ensures the university meets its legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 by assessing individual needs, recommending reasonable adjustments, and promoting an inclusive educational environment.

Key Responsibilities

Casework and Needs Assessment

• Deliver both face‑to‑face and remote student appointments, managing a daily schedule that includes 15‑minute quick query appointments as well as in‑depth 45‑minute specialist appointments.

• Assess student needs and create comprehensive Disability Support Plans within the university's student records system (full training on this system will be provided).

• Evaluate, recommend, and process exam concessions to ensure students have appropriate accommodations during assessment periods.

• Advise students on securing external funding or support grants, such as the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), and assist with the application processes.

• Maintain accurate, confidential, and GDPR‑compliant case notes and records.

Liaison and Advocacy

• Manage general communications with colleges, academic departments, and professional services to facilitate the smooth implementation of student support.

• Act as a key point of contact to resolve any issues, disputes, or implementation failures regarding recommended adjustments in a pragmatic and diplomatic manner.

• Coordinate with external agencies, medical professionals, educational psychologists, and specialist support providers to ensure a cohesive approach to student wellbeing.

Inclusive Practice

• Provide expert guidance to colleges and departments on inclusive practices, digital accessibility, and reasonable adjustments.

• Keep up to date with relevant legislation, Higher Education best practices, and emerging assistive technologies to continually improve service delivery.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Education: Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience.

• Experience: Proven advisory or support experience managing a complex caseload of individuals with varied disabilities.

• Experience: Experience conducting needs assessments and formulating practical support plans.

• Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the Equality Act 2010 and statutory frameworks regarding disability.

• Knowledge: Strong understanding of the social model of disability and reasonable adjustments.

• Skills: Excellent interpersonal and empathetic listening skills, with the ability to manage time‑sensitive 15‑minute and 45‑minute appointments effectively.

• Skills: Strong advocacy and communication skills to influence academic staff and resolve issues collaboratively with colleges and departments.

• Skills: Strong IT proficiency with the ability to learn and adapt to bespoke student records systems quickly.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience: Previous advisory or support experience specifically within a Higher Education (HE) setting.

• Education: Specialist qualification in SpLD, Autism, or mental health support.

• Education: Membership with a relevant professional body (e.g., NADP).

• Knowledge: Working knowledge of HE funding streams like the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).

• Knowledge: Familiarity with current assistive software and hardware.

• Skills: Competence in analyzing institutional data to identify accessibility gaps.