At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new support service for disabled students and manage a dedicated team.
- Company: Birkbeck, University of London, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 31 days leave, flexible working, and generous benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in student wellbeing and support a unique cohort.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification in mental health and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team during a time of renewal and growth.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 52000 £ per year.
Birkbeck, University of London, is seeking a Disability & Mental Health Manager to join the team on a permanent basis this Spring. Birkbeck’s Student Support & Wellbeing team is looking for a manager to lead the delivery of a new support service for disabled students, including those with mental health conditions.
In this pivotal role, you will manage the Disability & Mental Health Advisers and Student Support Officers, ensuring the service delivers high-quality, safe, inclusive, and effective support. Following a restructure last year, this role will take the operational lead on decision-making relating to student mental health risk, oversee the application of Fitness to Study processes, and contribute to the development of policy and practice that supports student success, wellbeing, and equal opportunities.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across Student Support & Wellbeing and the wider University, you will build strong internal and external partnerships, engage with sector networks, and promote a culture of proactive, evidence-based support.
To succeed as Disability & Mental Health Manager, you will be an experienced professional with a relevant qualification and registration in mental health, perhaps in Occupational Therapy, Social Work or Nursing, who has excellent knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and its implications in a higher education setting. You will be comfortable managing risk and are able to set and maintain clear boundaries for both staff and students. You are also practical, solution-focused and a strong team player with the ability to lead with clarity and purpose.
This is a great opportunity to join a team at a time of renewal and refresh, to bring your insight and expertise to bear to ensure the success of Birkbeck’s unique cohort of students.
Salary and benefits:
- £51,713 to £60,858 per year
- Grade 8 of the College's London Pay Scale which includes a consolidated Weighting/Allowance that applies only to staff whose normal contractual place of work is in the London area
- Competitive salary and pension scheme
- 31 days paid leave
- Flexible working arrangements
- Generous benefits in the HE sector
- Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, Euston, London
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours a week, Monday to Friday, 10-6pm with at least three days per week on site).
Closing date: Monday 23 March.
Interview date: Wednesday 15 April 2026.
DBS check required.
Enquiries: If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Kirsty Palmer, Interim Head of Student Wellbeing Services on k.palmer@bbk.ac.uk. If you have difficulty using the recruitment portal, please contact jobs@bbk.ac.uk providing your name and the job reference number of the position. While we are happy to respond to all informal enquiries, only formal applications through the online system will be considered.
Diversity and inclusion: We welcome applicants from all sections of the community and backgrounds. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding an Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.
Disability & Mental Health Manager employer: Birkbeck University of London
Contact Detail:
Birkbeck University of London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Disability & Mental Health Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health and disability sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Birkbeck and its Student Support & Wellbeing team. We want you to show how your experience aligns with their mission. Think about examples from your past roles that demonstrate your leadership and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for inclusivity! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them know why supporting disabled students is important to you. We believe that genuine enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in the lives of students. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Disability & Mental Health Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Disability & Mental Health Manager. We want to see how your skills and qualifications fit into our vision for supporting students at Birkbeck.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience in mental health or disability support. We’re looking for someone who can lead with clarity, so give us examples of how you’ve successfully managed similar challenges in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to convey. Remember, we’re busy too!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our online recruitment portal. It’s the only way we’ll consider your application, and it helps us keep everything organised. Plus, it’s super easy to use!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birkbeck University of London
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Equality Act 2010 and its implications in higher education. Being able to discuss how this legislation impacts disabled students and mental health support will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also understand its practical application.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to set clear boundaries and make decisions under pressure, as this role requires strong leadership in a sensitive environment.
✨Be Solution-Focused
Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented to improve student wellbeing and support services, demonstrating your practical approach to problem-solving.
✨Engage with the Culture
Research Birkbeck’s values and the Student Support & Wellbeing team’s mission. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their culture of proactive, evidence-based support and how you would build partnerships within the university and beyond.