Specialist Student Support Manager (Study Skills and Mentoring)

Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new, and excelling in education and research.”

Our people are at the heart of the University. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.

The role  

Located at our Headington campus and reporting to the Head of Inclusive Support, the Specialist Student Support Manager (Study Skills and Mentoring) oversees the delivery of our Specialist Mentoring and Specialist Tutoring services. The role ensures that neurodivergent students and individuals with mental health needs receive professional, high-quality support aligned with the current developments in the sector and tailored to their specific requirements.

This is a full-time role,  part-time/job share may be considered. This role will be hybrid with some home working permitted; at least half your time will be required to be on site and flexibility required to meet service demand.

About the team

Operating primarily during semesters, Specialist Tutors and Mentors deliver tailored one-to-one support to students, largely funded through Disabled Students’ Allowance. Team members hold high-level qualifications and actively maintain their professional body memberships and continuing professional development in accordance with the Non-Medical help Qualifications matrix. To offer cohesive, integrated support, the teams collaborate closely with Advisers and colleagues across Inclusive Support as well as the broader Student Support Services department.

What will I be doing?  

• Management of a team of in-house and freelance specialist mentors or Tutors, and Senior Mentor or Tutor(s).
• Ensure quality services are delivered to meet any internal or external standards.
• Manage a caseload of work with a range of students, providing specialist support to enable students to develop or apply strategies and skills for managing the impact of their condition on their engagement with learning and the broader student experience.
• Manage the risk assessment and management processes relating to students in receipt of tutoring or mentoring, collaborating with wider department colleagues in order to support students with complex needs and act as a point of escalation.
• Work closely with other staff in Student Support Services, through service meetings and other means to ensure service outcomes are met and students’ needs are met.

What skills do I need?  

• A professional qualification and/or professional body membership as required by the  Non-Medical help Qualifications matrix is essential.
• Ability to lead and manage a team.
• Ability to manage risk, work under pressure and respond to individuals in crisis or distress in a calm and professional manner.
• Ability to support students with diverse needs, building supportive relationships, maintaining appropriate boundaries and working towards outcomes.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate service delivery, for example ensuring that DSA income is maximised and students can access support without delay. 

Benefits 

For the full benefits of being an employee at Oxford Brookes, please visit our online pages.  

Equality, diversity and inclusion

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 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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