Freelance DSA Study Skills Tutor

Assistive Solutions Ltd.; Durham; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Assistive Solutions Ltd. is seeking a Freelance Study Skills Tutor to provide one-on-one sessions in the Durham area. Sessions are typically one hour weekly, focused on dyslexia and ASC, with personalised learning plans and ongoing progress reviews.

The role requires membership in a DSA-approved body, a degree, and a teaching qualification, plus experience in higher education support. DBS enhanced check is noted as a requirement.

Qualifications

• Membership of a DSA-approved professional body for SpLD support (e.g., ADSHE, BDA, PATOSS, Dyslexia Guild).
• Degree level: Hold an undergraduate degree (Level 6 or above).
• Teaching qualification required.
• Completion of specialist adult autism training (NAS NMH modules or Optimum Training Course).
• Experience providing 1:1 study skills support to SpLD students (dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD).
• Knowledge of strategies for organisation, time management, academic writing and independent learning.
• Ability to tailor support to individual learning needs and deliver student-centred sessions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Competence with assistive technology; integrate into study support.
• Strong organisational skills and precise record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Deliver tailored study skills sessions for students with SpLDs.
• Develop and update individual learning plans; review for progress.
• Build rapport in initial sessions; understand learning needs.

Skills

DSA SpLD body membership

Degree (Level 6+)

Teaching qualification

Autism training

1:1 study skills experience

Learning strategies knowledge

Student-centred approach

Communication skills

Assistive technology proficiency

Record-keeping skills

Education

Undergraduate degree (Level 6+)

Job description

Job Title: Freelance Study Skills Tutor

Location: Face to Face Sessions within the Durham 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.

Please note - An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.

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.