Specialist Adviser, Disability Support, Information, Advice & Guidance

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Reporting to the Senior Manager of the Disability Support Team, this role is responsible for providing specialist information, advice, and guidance to staff on supporting students with specific learning difficulties and/or autism. The postholder will also work collaboratively with guidance and specialist support services on a case‑work basis, ensuring that students are appropriately advised and supported throughout their studies. They will be the subject matter expert for the design and delivery of one‑to‑many sessions, training materials, and resources, empowering students with specific learning difficulties and autism to develop effective independent study strategies.

A key focus of the role is collaborating with university‑wide teams on the development and implementation of approaches, policies, and processes that support students with specific learning difficulties and/or autism.

The Specialist Adviser will play a pivotal role in devising and delivering training to Academic Services staff and, where appropriate, other University colleagues, enhancing their knowledge and skills to better support neurodiverse students, thus embedding best practice across the University.

• Provide specialist advice and guidance to staff regarding appropriate support, approach and processes to place reasonable adjustments in place for students.
• Provide specialist expertise through a case management approach, working collaboratively within a multi‑disciplinary team to resolve issues and support students with complex needs.
• Develop and deliver training (usually online) to students, Academic Services and other University staff, supporting their development in disability support.
• Support the development and implementation of policies, processes and procedures to enhance student success and achievement.
• Provide tailored guidance and in‑depth advice to students identified as having complex needs, ensuring they receive appropriate support and resources to succeed.
• Promote good practice in supporting disabled students by accurately interpreting and keeping up to date with all relevant legislation and appropriate frameworks, for example, the Disabled Students Commitment and Matrix.
• Act as a point of specialist contact for staff queries on supporting disabled students, managing day‑to‑day queries, maintaining records, and identifying areas for staff development.
• Collaborate with Guidance and Specialist teams in planning, setting shared goals, and contributing to larger projects to improve processes and procedures.

Essential:

• Relevant degree or equivalent qualification/experience in providing guidance at an organisational level on approaches to supporting students with specific learning difficulties and autism.
• Specialist knowledge of disability and inclusion support practices and legislation in Higher Education, including the Equality Act 2010 and the Disabled Student Commitment.
• Significant experience working with students who are neurodiverse, including working in a guidance setting to provide both one‑to‑one and one‑to‑many support for students.
• Proven ability to assess needs, recommend reasonable adjustments, and provide tailored support for neurodiverse learners.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide clear advice and guidance to staff and students with a wide range of communication challenges.
• Guidance, training, and coaching skills, including experience in developing and delivering training (in‑person and online) and creating training materials and resources to support staff and student development.
• Ability to evaluate and improve service delivery, identifying gaps and implementing enhancements to processes and staff development initiatives.
• Strong collaborative skills, working…