Student Disability Adviser (Mental Health)

The opportunity has arisen to join a small supportive team (winner of ‘Generosity of Spirit’ in the Brookes People Awards 2023) working to provide Student Services support in the Directorate of Academic and Student Administration. 

The Mental Health Advice Team (MHAT) is part of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, and also works closely with the Inclusive Support Service, to meet the needs of a wide range of disabled students. Due to the absence on Maternity Leave of one of the advisers, a post is available for the next year to work with students with ongoing long term mental health conditions. 

This is a 12-month fixed term contract to cover a period of maternity leave.

As Student Disability Adviser (Mental Health) you will:

• Engage prospective and current students disclosing a mental health condition, and provide initial assessment, advice and guidance on entitlements, such as applying for DSAs (Disabled Students Allowances), co-creating a package of reasonable adjustments to take account of the impact in the day-to-day learning environment
• Develop a working alliance with the student using a solution-focused enabling approach, encouraging self-efficacy and helping to build confidence and strategies for them to manage challenges during their time at university
• Liaise externally with the NHS, in particular GPs and secondary mental health services over transfers of care, and risk management, also linking students to community-based and self-help resources as appropriate
• Respond to students at times of difficulty, illness or crisis, where mental health -related needs or study plans change, to explore options, and work towards best hopes and outcomes
• Together with a range of colleagues, support the University to take forward the Mental Health Charter, and assist with improving mental health awareness and confidence across the institution

You should have:

• Degree or equivalent qualification or work experience
• Substantial casework experience with clients with long-term mental health issues and challenges including accessing education, work or training
• Proven experience of supporting people with diagnosed mental health conditions, involving effective management of complex and sensitive issues, and ideally in the education sector

Please note: the successful applicant will need to be subject to a background disclosure check by the Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) before any appointment can be confirmed.

You will also enjoy the benefits of working at Oxford Brookes University with up to 38 days holiday, rising to 41 days holiday (this includes 13 Bank Holidays and Concessionary Days), a generous Local Government pension scheme (19.2% Employer contribution rate), cycle to work scheme and access to a variety of university facilities (Brookes Nursery, Gym and sports facilities). For more information about benefits please see the document 'All about Brookes' below.

All interviews will be held on campus in Headington, Oxford.

Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 2nd October or the following week. If you have any queries about this role, please contact Susannah.Lloyd@Brookes.ac.uk.

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.

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