Disability Adviser

Randstad UK; North East; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad UK is seeking a Disability Adviser to provide high-quality, confidential support to university students with disabilities, ensuring compliance with the Equality Act 2010. The role combines casework, needs assessments, and liaison with departments to implement inclusive practices.

You will deliver short query and longer specialist appointments, develop Disability Support Plans, and assist with exam concessions and funding applications, while maintaining GDPR-compliant records.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent professional experience required.
• Experience advising or supporting individuals with disabilities.
• Experience conducting needs assessments and formulating practical support plans.
• Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and disability frameworks.
• Strong IT proficiency with bespoke student records systems.

Responsibilities

• Deliver 15-minute quick query and 45-minute specialist appointments to students.
• Assess needs and create Disability Support Plans in the student records system.
• Evaluate, recommend and process exam concessions for assessments.
• Advise on external funding like the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) and assist with applications.
• Maintain confidential, GDPR-compliant case notes and records.
• Liaise with colleges, academic departments and professional services to implement support.
• Coordinate with external agencies and professionals to support wellbeing.
• Provide guidance on inclusive practices, digital accessibility and reasonable adjustments.
• Stay updated on legislation, HE best practices and assistive technologies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Empathetic listening

Advocacy

Communication

Education

Degree level or equivalent

Specialist qualification in SpLD/Autism/mental health support

Membership with NADP

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

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.

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.