Freelance DSA Study Skills Tutor

Assistive IT Solutions; Colchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Assistive Solutions is seeking a Specialist Study Skills Tutor to provide tailored 1:1 study skills support for higher education students with dyslexia and ASC. Sessions are weekly, about one hour, with personalised learning plans and flexible delivery to meet individual needs.

The role requires membership in a DSA-approved body, an undergraduate degree, a teaching qualification, autism training, and strong communication and record-keeping abilities.

Qualifications

• Membership of a DSA-approved professional body for SpLD support.
• Degree level: Hold an undergraduate degree (Level 6 or above).
• Teaching qualification required.
• Specialist autism training (NAS NMH modules or Optimum Training).
• Experience providing 1:1 study skills support for SpLDs.
• Knowledge of strategies for organisation, time management, writing, independent learning.
• Ability to tailor support to individual learning needs in a student-centered way.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Competence with assistive technology and integration into study skills support.
• Strong organisational skills and precise record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Deliver study skills sessions tailored to students with SpLDs (dyslexia, ASC).
• Develop and update individualised learning plans and adjust regularly for progress.
• Build rapport in initial sessions to understand academic needs and preferred learning methods.
• Log sessions using the Assistive App and obtain signatures from student and tutor.
• Provide monthly session summaries and progress for invoicing in line with guidelines.
• Coordinate monthly summaries and invoicing with the invoicing team.

Skills

DSA body membership

Undergraduate degree

Teaching qualification

Autism training

1:1 study skills experience

Student-centered approach

Excellent communication

Assistive technology competence

Organisational skills

Education

Undergraduate degree (Level 6+)

Teaching qualification

Tools

Assistive technology

Job description

Job Title: Freelance Study Skills Tutor

Location: Face to Face Sessions within the Colchester area

Salary: £45 per Hour - Invoicing is processed on a monthly basis

Job Type: Full and Part Time Positions Available, Freelancer / Self Employed Only

Assistive Solutions specialises in supporting individuals eligible for Disabled Students' Allowances within higher education.

We are a Social Enterprise that works with disabled people, providing specialist computer equipment, 1-1 teaching and have an in-house software development team.

Assistive Solutions are a Disability Confident Employer.

About the role:

The Specialist Study Skills Tutor will provide tailored support for students with specific learning difficulties including dyslexia and/or autism (ASC), to assist them in developing essential study skills. This role is dedicated to supporting students in their higher education journey, enabling them to not only succeed academically but also equip them with transferable skills for their personal lives and future careers.

The tutor will work one-on-one with students, delivering individualised sessions designed to meet their unique needs.

Sessions are typically one hour long and held weekly, though the tutor must be adaptable to the student's requirements. The role requires flexibility, rapport-building, and the continuous development of personalised learning plans.

Key Responsibilities:

Session Delivery:

• Deliver study skills sessions tailored to the needs of students with specific learning difficulties, including dyslexia and autism.
• Develop and update individualised learning plans based on student needs, interests, and academic goals. Revisit and adjust the plan regularly to ensure continuous progress.
• Establish a strong rapport with students, particularly in initial sessions, to understand their academic needs and preferred learning methods.

Administration and Communication:

• Utilise the Assistive App to log sessions and maintain proper records, ensuring completed signatures from both student and tutor.
• Provide monthly session summaries, including attendance and progress, for invoicing purposes that are in line with company guidelines.
• Send monthly session summaries and invoicing to be submitted to our invoicing team by the last day of each month.
• Communicate when necessary, with the NMH admin for any queries or support needed.

About you:

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Membership of a DSA-approved professional body for SpLD support (e.g., ADSHE, BDA, PATOSS, Dyslexia Guild). (Please see DSA metrics to check)
• Degree Level: Hold an undergraduate degree (Level 6 or above).
• Teaching Credential: Hold a recognised teaching qualification.
• Autism-Specific Training: Completion of specialist adult autism training, such as: (The 6 National Autistic Society (NAS) Non-Medical Helper (NMH) modules OR The Optimum Training Course: Autism and ADHD in Higher Education.)
• Experience providing 1:1 study skills support to students with specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or ADHD.
• Knowledge of strategies to support organisation, time management, academic writing, and independent learning.
• Ability to tailor support to individual learning needs and deliver sessions in a student-centred way.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Competence with assistive technology and ability to integrate it into study skills support.
• Strong organisational skills with accurate and timely record-keeping.

Beneficial Skills and Experience:

• Experience supporting students in higher education.
• Familiarity with Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) funded support and NMH roles.
• Understanding of the impact of co-occurring conditions (e.g., mental health difficulties alongside SpLDs).
• Ability to encourage independent learning, confidence, and resilience.
• Awareness of inclusive teaching practices and accessibility in higher education.

Candidates with the experience or relevant job titles of; Tutor, Sessional Tutor, Learning and Retention Support, Mentor, Learning and Retention Assessor, Student Support Mentor, Learning Assistant, Learning Tutor, Learning Adviser, Educator, Learning Coach, Training Support Officer may also be considered for this role.