Disability and Wellbeing Specialist

About the role

The Disability and Wellbeing Specialist works within the Student Support Team to provide high‑quality, student‑centred advice and practical support for students with disabilities, long‑term health conditions, mental health difficulties, and other wellbeing needs, ensuring a fully inclusive university experience.

• Conduct thorough needs assessments for students with disabilities, long‑term health conditions, learning difficulties (SpLD), mental health conditions, and neurodivergent profiles.
• Develop, implement and review individual Learning Support Plans in collaboration with faculty, registry and assessment teams.
• Co‑ordinate reasonable adjustments with academic and administrative staff to ensure timely implementation.
• Support students in applying for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) and assist with evidence gathering.
• Act as the first point of contact for students experiencing personal, emotional or wellbeing difficulties, triaging and referring to appropriate internal and external services.
• Deliver short‑term, solution‑focused wellbeing support and link students to counselling, mental health advisers, NHS services and community organisations.
• Provide safeguarding support for students in crisis situations, applying risk management protocols.
• Promote student wellbeing through participation in outreach, workshops and awareness campaigns.
• Maintain confidential case records in the university’s case‑management system and monitor ongoing progress.
• Collaborate with academic staff, student union, professional services and external agencies to provide a joined‑up support experience.
• Review hardship fund applications and advise students on financial management skills, budgeting and the university’s Hardship Fund.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of disability and wellbeing policies, procedures and guidance.
• Support the induction and mentoring of new team members and engage in professional development activities.

• Degree‑level qualification or equivalent professional experience in social work, psychology, counselling, education, health or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience working with individuals with disabilities or mental health needs, ideally in a higher or further education setting.
• Sound knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and its application within higher education.
• Experience in conducting needs assessments and developing Learning Support Plans.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to engage sensitively with a diverse student population.
• Strong organisational and case‑management skills, able to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines.
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to confidentiality, professional boundaries and safeguarding procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with student record systems.
• Experience with the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) process.
• Familiarity with professional networks and sector frameworks such as NADP, NASMA and the Student Minds Mental Health Charter.
• Additional experience in facilitating workshops or delivering training is an asset.

Hybrid role (4 days on campus, 1 day from home) part‑time 0.6 FTE with flexible hours, a pension scheme, optional private medical insurance, cycle‑to‑work and a cycle voucher scheme. The University supports staff well‑being through a confidential employee assistance programme and a 2‑week holiday break.

Applications are welcome from all underrepresented groups, including the Global Majority. Candidates must be able to demonstrate eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with immigration laws. The University acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of students and staff and complies with statutory safeguarding responsibilities.