Specialist Practitioner - Enabling Services

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and proactive person to join Student Services and support students as part of our Disability and Inclusion service.

As a Specialist Practitioner you will provide support for students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), such as dyslexia. The role will combine student-facing work with project work to develop the support provided to students in innovative ways which meet student need. You will also contribute to work to support staff across the University to deliver their programmes of study using accessible and inclusive approaches. Importantly you will be a first-rate team player, working collaboratively with our team of Specialist Practitioners in a supportive environment to deliver excellence to our students.

Your main areas of work will include:

• The delivery of high quality specialist study skills sessions to support students with specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia) in a flexible way
• Developing and delivering our expanding group study workshops to students with specific learning difficulties
• Meeting with a high volume of students to review and discuss reasonable adjustments (such as additional exam arrangements) and following pre-determined processes to administer follow-up and communication with relevant staff so that students have their support in place when they need it
• Establishing and developing support for students in using assistive technology
• Working as part of a team to identify, develop and promote new initiatives to support students with specific learning difficulties
• Developing links with the faculties across the University to promote inclusive learning and teaching

Successful candidates will be qualified to at least degree level or equivalent with proven experience in supporting students with specific learning difficulties in practical ways. An SpLD Teacher/Practitioner qualification would be desirable, but not essential. Applications are welcomed from qualified teachers, SENCOs, mentors etc.. A working knowledge of assistive technology (e.g. mind mapping software, text-to-speech software) and its application to study is desirable. Although a background in Higher Education is not essential, the ability to transfer and adapt your skills to a new environment is key. This is a full-time permanent role.

The successful candidates will be able to demonstrate:

• excellent communication skills
• the ability to engage and motivate students
• problem solving skills to introduce new ways of working
• experience of managing a fluctuating and often demanding workload
• skills of persuasion and influence
• the ability to adapt to new ways of working, including the use of bespoke IT systems which improve day to day student access and communication

Please note, being able to work flexibly is a requirement of this role. You will work virtually, meet students in person and will carry out some of your role in a large open plan office. You will be part of a rota that operates from 8am-8pm across weekdays; occasional weekend and evening work is required for Open Days and Transition events for new students. A DBS certificate may be required for this vacancy.

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.