At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide one-on-one mentoring support for students facing mental health and autism challenges.
- Company: Assistive Solutions, a social enterprise supporting disabled students.
- Benefits: Earn £45 per hour with flexible freelance hours and monthly invoicing.
- Other info: Join a Disability Confident Employer with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have DSA-approved membership and experience in mentoring or support roles.
The predicted salary is between 45 - 45 £ per hour.
If your skills, experience, and qualifications match those in this job overview, do not delay your application.
Location: Face to Face Sessions within the Blackburn area
Salary: £45 per Hour - Invoicing is processed on a monthly basis
Job Type: Full and Part Time Positions Available, Freelancer / Self Employed Only
Assistive Solutions specialises in supporting individuals eligible for Disabled Students' Allowances within higher education. We are a Social Enterprise that works with disabled people, providing specialist computer equipment, 1-1 teaching and have an in-house software development team. Assistive Solutions are a Disability Confident Employer.
About the role:
As a Specialist Mentor, you will provide one-on-one tailored mentoring support for students experiencing mental health and/or autism spectrum-related challenges. Your role will be to help students navigate emotional and practical barriers to their academic success. You will work closely with each student to understand their specific needs, offering support in emotional well-being, organisation, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Your sessions will be individualised, with a flexible approach to best support the student's.
Key Responsibilities:
- Session Delivery: Facilitate personalised, one-on-one mentoring sessions with students, addressing both emotional difficulties (e.g., university stress, anxiety, mental health concerns) and practical support (e.g., organisation, study skills, work-life balance). Develop a supportive relationship with each student, starting with an initial session to identify their needs and goals. Create individualised learning plans and strategies to help students overcome challenges they face in their studies.
- Administration and Communication: Utilise the Assistive App to log sessions and maintain proper records, ensuring completed signatures from both student and tutor. Provide monthly session summaries, including attendance and progress, for invoicing purposes that are in line with company guidelines. Monthly session summaries and invoicing to be submitted to our invoicing team by the last day of each month. Communicate when necessary, with the NMH admin for any queries or support needed.
About you:
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Membership of a DSA-approved professional body (e.g., BACP, UKCP, NCS (Accredited Register), HCPC).
- Autism-Specific Training: Completion of specialist adult autism training, such as: (The 6 National Autistic Society (NAS) Non-Medical Helper (NMH) modules OR The Optimum Training Course: Autism and ADHD in Higher Education.)
- Experience providing 1:1 mentoring or support to individuals with mental health conditions and/or autism spectrum conditions.
- Strong understanding of confidentiality, professional boundaries, and safeguarding in an educational or clinical setting.
- Ability to build trust and establish a supportive, non-judgemental relationship with students.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and maintain accurate records.
- Reliable, flexible, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively with colleagues.
Beneficial Skills and Experience:
- Experience supporting students in higher education.
- Familiarity with Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) processes and NMH roles.
- Knowledge of assistive strategies and techniques to support organisation, stress management, and resilience.
- Experience working with neurodivergent students, including those with ADHD and autism.
- Training or experience in evidence-based approaches (e.g., ACT, CBT, solution-focused work).
- Awareness of inclusive practices and accessibility within education.
Please click the APPLY button to submit your CV.
Freelance DSA Specialist Mentor in Preston employer: Assistive IT Solutions
Assistive Solutions is an exceptional employer that values the unique contributions of its team members, particularly in the Guildford area. With a strong focus on fostering a supportive work culture, the company offers flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, ensuring that mentors can grow alongside their students. By prioritising emotional well-being and tailored support, Assistive Solutions creates a rewarding environment where mentors can make a meaningful impact in the lives of neurodivergent students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance DSA Specialist Mentor in Preston
✨Tap into Local Learning Communities
Get active in local continuing education groups and community centres where adult learners gather. Networking at workshops or meetups can lead to freelance opportunities like teaching classes or offering tutoring services. Don't underestimate the power of a chat over coffee!
✨Build an Engaging Portfolio
Create a public portfolio showcasing your skills and courses you can offer. Use platforms like WordPress or even Instagram to share testimonials and highlight your teaching style. This visibility can help attract clients who are looking for freelance educators.
✨Leverage Online Marketplaces
Sign up for freelance teaching platforms like Udemy or Skillshare, where you can create and sell courses. These platforms have a massive reach and can bring in learners who are eager for adult education, providing you with steady gig opportunities.
✨Collaborate with Educational Institutions
Reach out to local colleges and universities offering continuing education programs. They often look for freelance educators to teach specialised courses. Building relationships with faculty can lead to reliable freelance gig referrals, keeping your schedule full!
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance DSA Specialist Mentor in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Teaching Experience:When applying for a freelance role in adult continuing education, make sure to highlight any relevant teaching or training experience you've got. Share specific examples of courses you've led or educational programmes you've developed; it's a great way to show how you can engage adult learners!
Prepare a Winning Portfolio:Your portfolio should reflect your best work in adult education. This could include lesson plans, course outlines, or samples of educational materials you've created. Ensure it’s well-organised to grab the attention of those at Assistive IT Solutions — we like to see how your past work can add value!
Mention Any Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications in adult education or related fields, flaunt those! Credentials can really enhance your application and show that you're serious about the role. Make sure they’re included prominently on your CV to catch the eye of the hiring team.
Tailor Your Application for Flexibility:As a freelancer, potential clients are interested in your availability and flexibility. In your cover letter, mention your preferred working hours or how you can adjust your schedule to meet learners’ needs. It’s all about showing that you're open and adaptable — that’s what we love to see!
How to prepare for a job interview at Assistive IT Solutions
✨Showcase Your Teaching Style
As a freelance educator in the adult continuing education field, one of our best bets is to demonstrate our teaching style during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific methodologies you’ve used or plan to use, and maybe even share a mini-lesson or training activity. This gives your potential client a taste of how engaging and effective you can be with adult learners.
✨Come Armed with a Portfolio
Since we're looking at freelance gigs, a solid portfolio can really set us apart. Include samples of lesson plans, instructional materials, and feedback from previous students. If you’ve worked with diverse groups, make sure to highlight this to showcase your versatility in teaching. It’s about proving you’ve got the chops!
✨Talk About Real-World Applications
In adult continuing education, we need to connect learning to real-world applications. Be prepared to discuss how your past experiences and expertise relate to current industry practices. This shows potential clients that you’re not just a teacher, but a mentor who understands the practicalities of adult learning in today's fast-paced environment.
✨Set Clear Expectations
Since freelancing is all about agreements, be ready to discuss your rates and what they include. Approach this topic with confidence, making sure to explain how your skills justify your pricing. Also, outline how you plan to measure success in your tutoring or training sessions — it reassures clients they'll be getting value for their investment.
