Disability Support Specialist – Higher Education

Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday package

Pension schemes

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Newcastle University is seeking a Disability Practitioner on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave. The role provides specialist guidance to students and staff to remove barriers for disabled students and to promote an inclusive culture.

The role is campus-based with possible hybrid working and standard hours 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Applicants should have relevant degrees or qualifications in Advice and Guidance or related fields, and will require a DBS disclosure.

Qualifications

• A recognised degree or equivalent qualification and/or experience.
• A relevant professional qualification such as Advice and Guidance, Registered Nurse Mental Health/Social Worker/Occupational Therapist, or Autism practice, etc.

Responsibilities

• Act as a central contact for future and current disabled students, including those with long-term mental health conditions.
• Provide advice and information to students and stakeholders on support services and facilities within and external to the University.
• Manage a varied, complex and sensitive caseload of disabled students, including those with long-term mental health conditions.
• Identify and respond to risk, and refer appropriately to internal and/or external services.
• Offer a blend of in-person and digital meetings to identify support and adjustment options and communicate with academic schools and stakeholders to resolve barriers.
• Provide advice on Disabled Students Allowances and assess student needs for interventions.
• Coordinate examinations arrangements with Examinations Office and participate in staff development activities.
• Maintain records, evaluate impact of support, and stay updated with legislation and best practices in disability issues.

Skills

Disability support expertise

Sensitive caseload management

Excellent communication

IT skills

Mental health awareness

Education

Degree or equivalent

Advice and Guidance qualification

Relevant professional qualifications

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Newcastle University is seeking a Disability Practitioner on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave. The role provides specialist guidance to students and staff to remove barriers for disabled students and to promote an inclusive culture.

The role is campus-based with possible hybrid working and standard hours 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Applicants should have relevant degrees or qualifications in Advice and Guidance or related fields, and will require a DBS disclosure.