Disability Advisor

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to January 2025

Role Summary

The post holder will be expected to work with students with multiple disabilities across the University, with knowledge and experience in supporting people with long term mental health conditions / Autism.    

They will offer information, advice and guidance to prospective and current students. This could include applying for DSAs; access and support arrangements and providing advice and guidance and recommendations on accessing reasonable adjustments as well as writing reasonable adjustment plans. 

The post holder will also provide guidance to academic staff on individual specific support provision, particularly relating to their role with students and the impact Mental Health difficulties / Autism can have on a student’s academic performance and participation in higher education. They will use their substantial knowledge and experience to influence the development of resources for both students and staff. 

This is a role for a disability specialist who can respond proactively to changes in the higher education sector and work independently as required. 

Person Specification 

• Educated to at least degree level or equivalent experience. A professional qualification in an area relevant to the responsibilities of the post would be an advantage. 
• Accreditation (or evidence of willingness to work working towards accreditation) with an appropriate professional body e.g.AMBDA, UMHAN, HCPC, NADP would be an advantage. 
• Significant experience in supporting people with long term Mental health conditions and / Autistic people.
• Demonstrable experience of providing support to those with disabilities, with an understanding of the impact of multiple impairments and complex conditions.
• Experience of working to support students within Higher Education would be an advantage.
• Experience of delivering training, particularly in the area of disability awareness would be an advantage.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to maintain boundaries and exercise sensitivity and diplomacy, whilst ensuring compliance with confidentiality policies, professional standards, and Data Protection legislation.
• Effective team-working skills, coupled with an ability to be authoritative in their specialist areas and work independently, having the confidence to make important decisions.
• Ability to identify complex issues and utilise knowledge to recommend creative solutions.
• Outstanding time management and organisational skills, with an ability to respond flexibly to changing priorities and differing situations, particularly during busy periods.
• Excellent IT skills (including demonstrable skills across all standard Microsoft Office packages).
• Knowledge and understanding of the capabilities of current assistive/enabling technology would be an advantage. 
• Sound knowledge of related legislation including the General Data Protection Act.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area of business that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly. 

Informal enquires can be made to Ali Bottrill (a.bottrill@bham.ac.uk), Head of Student Disability Service. 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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