Disability Adviser

DISABILITY ADVISER

Position Title: Disability Adviser

Reports To: DLS Team Leader

Grade: NG6

Location: Central London / Harrow Campus (Requirement to work across all University sites as needed)

Job Purpose

The post holder plays a key role in assessing and providing specialist advice and support to students and prospective students who identify as disabled and/or have specific learning difficulties, working closely with colleagues across the University and externally.

Reporting to the DLS Team Leader, Disability Advisers develop and provide proactive, early intervention specialist support to students facing barriers to study due to impairments, conditions, or specific learning difficulties, while actively promoting disability awareness and inclusion university-wide.

Main Responsibilities and Accountability's

1. Support Identification & Assessment: Identify support entitlements for disabled applicants and students via individual consultations and medical/diagnostic evidence reviews. Consult with specialists and advise on reasonable adjustments and alternative assessments.

2. Reasonable Adjustments: Create Reasonable Adjustments Forms (RAFs) for University-wide implementation, collaborating with Academic colleagues, Registry, Admissions, and Estates & Facilities in alignment with University policies.

3. Funding & Resource Support: Advise on funding options such as Disabled Student's Allowance (DSA) for specialist support (e.g., sign language interpreters, assistive technology). Liaise with external bodies (Student Finance England, DSA Needs Assessors) and arrange university-funded support (note-taking, specialist mentoring, study skills tutoring).

4. Casework Management: Prioritise and manage applicant and student casework effectively, ensuring ongoing contact and review of support needs.

5. College Advising: Act as College Adviser to an allocated college alongside the college disability tutor, identifying staff training needs to promote disability awareness and university-wide inclusivity.

6. Inclusivity Portfolios: Lead initiatives and portfolios to enhance disabled student's experiences beyond Equality Act (2010) requirements.

7. Policy & Strategy Development: Contribute to developing University policies/procedures regarding disability, SpLDs, inclusivity, and Equality Act compliance in HE.

8. Training & Workshops: Lead and deliver training sessions for students and staff to foster a whole-university approach to inclusion.

9. Record Keeping & Compliance: Maintain comprehensive records in compliance with service codes of practice, professional standards, and GDPR.

10. Reporting: Provide statistical analysis for annual reports to communicate DLS activities and champion inclusivity.

11. Institutional Support: Support core student events, including UoW Open Days, Induction Week, and Career Fairs.

Context & Dimensions

• Institutional Context: Disability Learning Support is part of Student and Academic Services. The University is committed to fulfilling Equality Act (2010) duties through anticipatory measures and reasonable adjustments, adhering to best practices set by the National Association of Disability Practitioners (NADP).

• Team & Scope: Works within a multidisciplinary team (Disability Advisers, Specialist Mentors, Administrators) under the Student Well being and Inclusion Manager. Based in central London with duties at the Harrow campus.

• Requirements: Enhanced DBS check required, alongside strict adherence to health and safety responsibilities.

Person Specification

Category Essential Criteria (E) Desirable Criteria (D)
Qualifications

Relevant post-graduate/professional qualification (e.g., psychology, counselling, disability studies) OR significant relevant professional experience.

Record of regular, recent CPD.

Membership in a relevant professional body (e.g., NADP).
Knowledge & Experience

Supporting individuals with a range of conditions (SpLDs, mobility, sensory, mental health, autism, invisible impairments).

Delivering 1-to-1 advice and recommending reasonable adjustments (preferably in HE).

In-depth knowledge of legal frameworks (Equality Act 2010) and DSA funding.

Contribution to innovative disability projects.

Designing and delivering engaging training.

Knowledge of H&S procedures (e.g., PEEPs).

HE sector experience and student needs insight.

Up-to-date knowledge of assistive technologies/equipment.

Specialist advocacy experience (e.g., CMHTs, SFE).

Skills

Excellent interpersonal, listening, tact, and confidentiality skills.

Strong written/verbal communication and organisational skills.

Proficiency in IT (MS Office, internet, database software like SITS).

Problem-solving under pressure and collaborative working.

Ability to manage compliance risks and handle GDPR-sensitive data.

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Attributes

Professional, positive, resilient, and flexible approach.

Enabling attitude towards disability.

Highly motivated, empathetic, and compassionate.

Commitment to equality, fair treatment, and continuous development.