Student Disability and Wellbeing Lead

At a Glance

• Location: University of Portsmouth London Campus
• Reports to: Director of Operations and Student Services
• Contact: talent@northchild.com 

An Opportunity to Make a Real Difference 

This is a senior, student-facing role at the heart of a new and growing London campus. If you have a passion for removing barriers in higher education and a background spanning disability support, mental health, and student wellbeing, this is a rare chance to shape a service from the ground up. 

Northchild Education is partnering with the University of Portsmouth to establish and deliver its London Campus. We are building a team that shares our commitment to an inclusive, empowering student experience. The Student Disability and Wellbeing Lead will be a founding voice in that work. 

About Northchild Education 

Northchild Education (UK) Ltd is part of the Northchild Group, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Our focus is creating innovative educational environments where students and academics can thrive. Working closely with the University of Portsmouth and the local borough, we are proud to be building something genuinely new in London. 

What You Will Be Doing 

You will lead the Additional Support and Disability Advice function at UoP London, carrying a caseload of students with complex and varied needs while helping to develop the policies and culture that underpin an accessible campus. Your work will span two core areas: 

Disability and Additional Support 

• Lead, develop and manage disability and additional support provision across the campus
• Carry a caseload of students with complex needs, assessing requirements and supporting funding applications including Disabled Students Allowance
• Ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010, QAA Code of Practice, and HEFCE guidelines
• Liaise with academic staff, external agencies, and specialist services to ensure students receive appropriate adjustments
• Identify gaps in provision and develop innovative approaches to meet future needs
• Deliver training to staff and promote disclosure of disability across the student community 

Student Wellbeing and Mental Health 

• Provide individual support to students experiencing personal, emotional, or mental health difficulties
• Conduct triage assessments and coordinate referrals to internal and external services
• Act as a coordination point during mental health crises, working alongside the University and external agencies
• Promote mental health awareness and contribute to group and individual wellbeing programmes
• Maintain close links with NHS services, third sector organisations, and community provision
• Support and advise colleagues working with vulnerable students 

About You 

You will be an experienced professional who is equally comfortable holding complex casework and contributing to strategic development. You bring genuine expertise in disability support and mental health, and you know how to make students feel genuinely seen and supported. 

Essential 

• Degree level education or equivalent professional experience
• Demonstrable knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and the Disabled Students Allowance system
• Professional qualification in a relevant discipline such as social work, nursing, psychology, counselling or psychotherapy
• Substantial experience in mental health and/or other student or community support services
• Experience of assessment, including risk assessment, in a clinical or support context
• Knowledge of appropriate ethical frameworks for clinical practice
• Experience working with adults with personal, emotional or mental health difficulties
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal
• Ability to work calmly and maintain personal resilience under pressure
• Commitment to reflective practice and continuing professional development
• Understanding of anti-discriminatory practice and genuine commitment to equality and inclusion 

It Would Also Be Great If You Have 

• Experience working within a higher education setting
• Experience developing policy or strategy in a disability or wellbeing context
• Experience delivering training to non-specialist colleagues 

How to Apply 

We are recruiting urgently and reviewing applications on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out. 

To apply, please send the following (via the 'Apply' button above):

• Your current CV
• A covering letter setting out why you are a strong fit for this role, with reference to the essential requirements above 

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. If you require the application process in an alternative format, please do let us know and we will be happy to accommodate you. 

Equal Opportunities 

At Northchild Education, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Our goal is to build a team that reflects the diversity of the students and communities we serve. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team at talent@northchild.com