At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide tailored mentoring support to students facing mental health and autism challenges.
- Company: Assistive Solutions, a social enterprise supporting disabled students in higher education.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, meaningful impact, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a Disability Confident Employer with a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your mentoring skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in mentoring or support for mental health and autism spectrum conditions.
The predicted salary is between 19.8 - 24.2 £ per hour.
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.
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.
Membership of a DSA-approved professional body (e. g., BACP, UKCP, NCS (Accredited Register), HCPC). (Please see DSA metrics to check)
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.
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Freelance DSA Specialist Mentor in City of Westminster employer: Assistive Solutions
Assistive Solutions is an exceptional employer that values the unique contributions of each team member, fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. As a Freelance Study Skills Tutor in Colchester, you will enjoy flexible scheduling, allowing you to balance your professional and personal commitments while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. With opportunities for professional development and a commitment to employee well-being, Assistive Solutions stands out as a rewarding place to grow your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance DSA Specialist Mentor in City of Westminster
✨Tap into Local Networks and Communities
Freelancing in therapy and counselling means you'll need to build a solid local presence. Attend workshops, community events, or local counselling meet-ups to connect with potential clients and other professionals in your area. They might have referrals or even collaboration opportunities to help you get started!
✨Create a Public Portfolio of Your Work
Craft a portfolio that showcases your skills and the different therapeutic approaches you use. This could include case studies, testimonials from past clients (with privacy respected, of course), and any resources you’ve created. Having a strong online presence helps potential clients see what you’re about and builds credibility.
✨Join Professional Online Platforms
Freelance therapists thrive on platforms designed for mental health professionals. Sign up for directories like TherapyDen or Psychology Today where you can list your practice. This is a great way to gain visibility and connect with clients actively looking for someone with your qualifications.
✨Promote Your Services Through Social Media
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Create accounts focused on mental health awareness and share insightful content or tips that demonstrate your expertise. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook can be great for establishing connections and letting people know you're available for freelance work, including promoting any workshops or events you may be hosting.
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance DSA Specialist Mentor in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Therapy Style:Freelance roles in therapy and counselling really thrive on personal connection, so we're talking about your unique approach to counselling. In your cover letter, share your therapeutic style, whether it's person-centred, cognitive-behavioural, or something else. This will help Assistive Solutions see how you fit into their team's vibe.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:This field is all about qualifications and certifications. Make sure to list any relevant psychology degrees, counselling diplomas, or licenses right at the top of your CV. That'll speak volumes about your capability and commitment, not to mention it's a must-have in our profession!
Portfolio of Experience:As a freelancer, your portfolio is your best friend! Include case studies or testimonials from clients (with permission, of course) that highlight your skills and success stories. This real-world proof can set you apart from the crowd for Assistive Solutions.
Rates and Availability:Don’t shy away from discussing rates upfront in your application. Give a rough idea of your fee structure and your availability—this shows professionalism and helps Assistive Solutions assess if you’re the right fit without any surprises down the line.
How to prepare for a job interview at Assistive Solutions
✨Showcase Your Unique Approach
As a freelance therapist or counsellor, it’s crucial to highlight your specific therapeutic style and methods. Be prepared to discuss your philosophy, any unique techniques you use, and how they benefit clients. This lets Assistive Solutions see how you stand out in a crowded market.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in real-life situations. Think about challenges you’ve faced in past counselling sessions and how you navigated them, demonstrating your expertise and empathy.
✨Bring Your Portfolio and Success Stories
Don’t forget to prepare a portfolio showcasing your qualifications, certifications, and successful case studies. This could include testimonials or feedback from previous clients (anonymised, of course). It’s like your sales pitch for your unique brand of therapy, so make it count!
✨Know Your Rates and Value Proposition
As a freelancer, you’ll need to discuss your rates confidently. Have a clear understanding of what you offer and how it translates into value for clients. Be ready to explain why investing in your services is worthwhile for Assistive Solutions, as they might want to help you find clients or collaborators down the line.
