Specialist Practitioner (Neurodiversity)

Location: Highfield Campus (possibility of some work at other University campus sites, e.g. Winchester School of Art); working from home remotely if required

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Student and Education Services to support students as part of our Student Disability and Inclusion service. We are currently recruiting for a full-time 7 month fixed-term post and are looking for proactive and enthusiastic individuals to join our team to deliver high quality, seamless, disability support and advice for students within the context of the Equality Act 2010.
As a Specialist Practitioner you will provide support for students with Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) and will contribute to an increasing range of support and activities for students who consider themselves to be neurodivergent, including Autism Spectrum Condition, and ADHD. There will also be opportunities to support students with other disabilities, as part of the wider Student Disability and Inclusion team.

The role will combine student-facing work with project work to develop the support provided to students in innovative ways which meet student need. You will also contribute to work to support staff across the University to deliver their programmes of study using accessible and inclusive approaches. Importantly you will be a first-rate team player, working collaboratively with our team of Specialist Practitioners in a supportive environment to deliver excellence to our students.

Your main areas of work will include:

• Meeting with a high volume of students to review and discuss reasonable adjustments (such as additional exam arrangements) and following pre-determined processes to administer follow-up and communication with relevant staff so that students have their support in place when they need it
• Establishing and developing support for students in using assistive technology
• Working as part of a team to identify, develop and promote new initiatives to support students
• Developing links with the faculties across the University to promote inclusive learning and teaching

Successful candidates will be qualified to at least degree level or equivalent with proven experience in supporting students with specific learning differences and other disabilities in practical ways. Knowledge of assistive technology (e.g. mind mapping software, text-to-speech software) is helpful.
Applications are welcomed from anyone with good experience in this field.
Although a background in Higher Education is not essential, the ability to transfer and adapt your skills to a new environment is key. This is a full-time fixed-term role for 7 months.

The successful candidates will be able to demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills
• The ability to engage and motivate students
• Problem solving skills to introduce new ways of working
• Experience of managing a fluctuating and often demanding workload
• Skills of persuasion and influence
• The ability to adapt to new ways of working, including the use of bespoke IT systems which improve day to day student access and communication

An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.
 
The role offers flexible working with a blend of on campus and home working. The team offers some early morning and evening appointments to give students the flexibility of choice and so the role requires a certain level of flexibility to cover these; occasional weekend and evening work is required for Open Days and Transition Programme events for new students.

Further benefits include the opportunity to join the University’s pension scheme, generous holiday allowance and access to university employer discount schemes.

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