Disability Assessor and Support Coach
Disability Assessor and Support Coach
The University of Huddersfield is delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for a motivated and dedicated Disability Assessor and Support Coach to join our dynamic Disability Services team. Part of the Student Services Directorate, our Disability Services plays a crucial role in enhancing the learning experience and success of our disabled apprentices and students. As we expand our support services for apprentices and develop our operations for the future, this is a fantastic time to become a key part of our team.
About Us:
At the University of Huddersfield, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all our students and staff. Our goal is to ensure that disabled students, particularly apprentices, have the tools and support they need to succeed in higher education. Disability Services works closely with apprentices, providing comprehensive support, from their initial transition into higher education through to their engagement with their studies, helping them achieve positive outcomes.
Our growing service aims to provide the highest level of care and support to a diverse student body, ensuring that all students can fully engage with their educational journey. As a Disability Assessor and Support Coach, you will have a pivotal role in identifying the needs of disabled apprentices, coordinating support, and working closely with other departments to enhance the service we provide.
Key Responsibilities:
The Disability Assessor and Support Coach will play a central role in ensuring the University meets its commitment to providing an accessible, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for disabled apprentices. You will be responsible for:
Assessment and Support Coordination:
Conduct thorough assessments of disabled apprentices to identify their individual needs and determine the appropriate adjustments, resources, and support required to facilitate their studies.
Preparing detailed reports and creating tailored support plans based on these assessments, working collaboratively with apprentices and relevant stakeholders.
Coordinating and implementing support provisions, including arranging assistive technologies, one-on-one support, and other resources necessary to help apprentices overcome barriers to learning.
Advisory Role:
Providing expert advice, guidance, and advocacy to disabled apprentices and their academic teams on matters relating to disability support, helping to foster an environment where apprentices feel empowered and supported.
Acting as a point of contact for disabled apprentices, guiding them through university processes, addressing concerns, and ensuring that reasonable adjustments are in place to support their studies.
Offering informed advice to colleagues, academic staff, and management regarding inclusive teaching practices, legislation, and best practices for supporting disabled students.
Supporting Transition and Engagement:
Assisting disabled apprentices in their transition into higher education, ensuring that they are equipped with the support and resources they need to thrive academically and personally.
Helping apprentices navigate their learning environment, ensuring that they can fully engage with their studies and participate in university life.
Supporting apprentices in developing strategies for independent learning and self-advocacy, building their confidence to take ownership of their educational journey.
Service Development and Improvement:
Contributing to the continuous development and improvement of Disability Services, particularly concerning support for disabled apprentices.
Collaborating with the Disability and Inclusion Manager and other team members to develop new initiatives that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the service.
Keeping abreast of changes in legislation, policies, and best practices regarding disability support in higher education and apprenticeships to ensure that the university remains at the forefront of accessible learning.
Collaboration with Stakeholders:
Liaising with internal departments such as the academic staff, IT support, and Student Wellbeing to ensure the successful implementation of support plans and assistive technology for apprentices.
Engaging with external agencies and partners, including funding bodies, assistive technology providers, and support agencies, to ensure that disabled apprentices have access to all available resources.
Working closely with other members of Student Services to provide a holistic approach to student wellbeing and success.
Case Management:
Managing a varied and often complex caseload of apprentices with diverse disabilities, ensuring timely assessments, implementation of support, and ongoing monitoring.
Ensuring accurate and confidential record-keeping of assessments, support plans, and communication with apprentices and other stakeholders.
Essential Criteria:
To be successful in this role, the following qualifications, skills, and experience are essential:
Experience:
Significant experience in offering comprehensive support, advice, and guidance to disabled students or apprentices, with a particular focus on identifying and assessing individual needs.
Demonstrable experience in conducting detailed assessments and developing tailored support plans for individuals with a wide range of disabilities.
A strong understanding of the barriers faced by disabled students/apprentices and how to overcome them in an educational setting.
Knowledge:
A thorough knowledge of disability support in higher education, including relevant legislation such as the Equality Act 2010 and how reasonable adjustments are implemented to support disabled students.
An understanding of how assistive technology can be used to support disabled apprentices in their learning environment.
Skills:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships with students, colleagues, and external partners.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage a varied caseload and work to deadlines.
A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, with a passion for promoting accessible and inclusive learning environments.
Benefits of Working with Us:
As a Disability Assessor and Support Coach at the University of Huddersfield, you will benefit from a supportive and inclusive working environment, as well as access to a range of benefits, including:
Hybrid Working: We offer a flexible hybrid working model that blends remote and on-campus working, depending on the duties of the role.
Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing professional development and training to enhance your skills and knowledge in disability support and higher education.
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave allowance and flexible working options to promote a healthy work-life balance.
Commitment to Wellbeing: Access to a range of well-being services and support, including our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
Inclusive Environment: The University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion for all staff and students. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
Application Process:
We encourage applications from individuals who are passionate about supporting disabled apprentices and helping them succeed in higher education. To apply for this position, please submit the following:
A completed application form, clearly outlining how you meet the person specification for this role.
A detailed cover letter providing specific examples of how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and essential criteria for this post.
An up-to-date CV outlining your qualifications and relevant experience.
If you have any queries or require further information about the role, please contact:
Jo Mitchell, Disability and Inclusion Manager
Email: J.Mitchell3@hud.ac.uk
For any questions regarding the application process, please contact:
Judith Baylis, HR Administrator
Email: J.Baylis@hud.ac.uk
Closing Date:
The closing date for applications is 28 October 2024.
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