Disability Advisor (CC

Opportunity Review: Student Support & Safeguarding Role

The Student Support & Safeguarding department is presenting an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join their Disability Service. This role is central to ensuring disabled students receive the guidance and support they need to thrive academically and personally.

About the Role: What You'll Be Doing

As a key member of the Disability Service team, your primary responsibility will be to provide high-quality advice and support to disabled students. This involves a comprehensive approach to understanding individual needs through assessment, identifying necessary reasonable adjustments, and recommending personalized strategies that empower students to access their studies effectively and overcome any potential barriers to their success. A significant aspect of this role includes assisting students in navigating and securing specialist funding, such as the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), to meet their unique support requirements.

Collaboration is at the heart of this position. You will work closely with a variety of University professional services, academic departments, and external agencies to coordinate support for disabled student cases. This requires establishing and nurturing strong working relationships to ensure seamless signposting and referrals, especially when addressing risk, complex needs, or when specialist services are required.

A substantial portion of your time will be dedicated to conducting appointments with students. While most of these will be in-person on University of Bath premises, you will also engage with students remotely, particularly during the critical pre-arrival period.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Providing expert disability-related information and advice to students.
• Assessing student needs and recommending personalized reasonable adjustments.
• Assisting students in accessing specialist funding, like the DSA.
• Coordinating support across multiple University departments and external agencies.
• Conducting student appointments, both in-person and remotely.

Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Specialized Expertise Development: This role offers a fantastic opportunity to deepen your expertise in disability support within a higher education setting. You'll gain in-depth knowledge of assessment methodologies, the practical application of reasonable adjustments, and the intricacies of funding mechanisms like the DSA.
• Collaborative Network Building: You will have the chance to build a robust professional network by working with diverse teams across the university and with external stakeholders. This is invaluable for future career progression and understanding the wider support ecosystem.
• Direct Impact and Student Success: The role provides immense satisfaction through directly contributing to the academic success and well-being of students. Witnessing students overcome challenges and achieve their potential is a significant reward.
• Hybrid Working Flexibility: The department embraces a hybrid working model, offering a balance between in-person engagement and remote work. This allows for greater autonomy and can contribute to a healthier work-life balance. The flexibility offered, within operational needs, is a considerable benefit.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The University of Bath is demonstrably committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion, holding an Athena SWAN Silver award and being an accredited Disability Confident Leader. This environment fosters personal growth and provides a platform for you to contribute to a truly inclusive culture.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Beyond the professional development, candidates will benefit from a generous employer contributory pension scheme, ample annual leave (including discretionary days), and an excellent reward package.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Experience Requirements: The role explicitly requires proven experience in casework management related to individuals with disabilities, mental health difficulties, or long-term medical conditions. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate this experience.
• Knowledge of Equality and Legislation: A thorough understanding of equality and diversity principles, along with relevant legislative requirements, is essential.
• Organizational and Interpersonal Skills: The ability to self-organize, prioritize effectively, and work flexibly as part of a team is crucial for managing a caseload and collaborating across departments.
• Commitment to In-Person Engagement: While hybrid working is offered, a significant component of this role involves direct, in-person interaction with students. Candidates should be comfortable with this requirement and understand its importance in providing effective support. The need to be on campus may fluctuate based on student demand.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: A DBS check will be required for this position, which is standard for roles involving significant student interaction.

This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated professional looking to make a tangible difference in the lives of students while advancing their career in a supportive and forward-thinking environment. The University of Bath's commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive community makes this a highly attractive prospect for individuals passionate about student welfare and advocacy.