At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide one-on-one mentoring support to students facing mental health and autism challenges.
- Company: Assistive Solutions, a social enterprise supporting disabled students in higher education.
- 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.
Location: Face to Face Sessions within the Guildford 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.
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 Woking employer: Assistive IT Solutions
Assistive Solutions is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. As a Social Enterprise based in Guildford, we offer flexible freelance opportunities for Specialist Mentors, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying the autonomy of self-employment. Our commitment to being a Disability Confident Employer ensures that you will be part of a supportive community that values diversity and promotes personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance DSA Specialist Mentor in Woking
✨Showcase Your Expertise with a Public Portfolio
As a freelancer in the digital learning and education space, having a strong public portfolio is crucial. Create a website or a blog where you can share your projects, case studies, and even testimonials from past clients. This not only demonstrates your skills but also lets potential clients see your unique approach to digital learning.
✨Engage in Digital Learning Communities
Join online forums, Facebook groups, or LinkedIn communities dedicated to education technology and freelance educators. Engage with discussions, share insights, and make connections. Remember, many gigs can come from these informal networks as people often post their needs or recommendations there.
✨Attend EdTech Events and Webinars
Keep an eye out for virtual and local events related to education technology. These gatherings are perfect for networking and finding freelance opportunities. Don’t be shy about promoting your services or sharing your work during Q&A sessions—visibility is key!
✨Direct Outreach to Potential Clients
Don't wait for opportunities to come to you! Research schools, universities, and organisations that might benefit from your freelancing services. Send them a personalised pitch highlighting how you can help. You might be surprised by how many are looking for skilled freelancers just like us!
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance DSA Specialist Mentor in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Digital Skills:In the digital learning and education space, it’s crucial to highlight your technical proficiencies. Make sure to include relevant tools you’ve used, like LMS platforms, authoring tools, or any e-learning software. We're interested in seeing how you've leveraged these skills in either previous projects or course development.
Portfolio is Key!:As a freelancer, your portfolio is your best friend. Showcase your previous digital learning projects, course designs, or any educational content you’ve created. Include links to anything you’ve developed—this is our way of seeing your creative flair and effectiveness in real-world applications.
Tailor Your Application for Each Project:Freelance roles often require a bespoke approach. When applying for Freelance DSA Specialist Mentor at Assistive IT Solutions, personalise your cover letter to reflect your understanding of their specific needs in digital learning, and how your background aligns with their goals. Make it clear why you are the perfect fit for them!
Rates and Availability Matter:Being freelance means you need to be upfront about your rates and availability. Include that information in your application, so Assistive IT Solutions knows what to expect. It gives a professional touch and sets the stage for clear communication from the get-go.
How to prepare for a job interview at Assistive IT Solutions
✨Know Your EdTech Tools
Before your chat with Assistive IT Solutions, make sure you're familiar with popular digital learning platforms like Moodle or Moodle plugins. Being able to discuss your experience with these tools will really set you apart, especially since they play a crucial role in the education tech space.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
As a freelancer, your portfolio is your best friend. Bring your A-game by showcasing case studies that highlight your ability to create engaging content or effective learning modules. Tailor what you show to the specific needs of Assistive IT Solutions and make sure to point out how your work has improved learning outcomes.
✨Discuss Learning Trends
Be ready to chat about current trends in digital learning, like gamification or adaptive learning. Assistive IT Solutions is likely looking for someone who stays up to date with industry shifts and can incorporate fresh ideas into their projects—proving you're not just about delivery but innovation too!
✨Pitching Your Rates Confidently
Since this is a freelance gig, come prepared to discuss your rates confidently. Know your worth and how your skills align with what Assistive IT Solutions needs. Be ready to justify your prices based on your experience and the value you bring—they'll appreciate your professionalism!