At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide one-to-one support to university students with Specific Learning Difficulties.
- Company: Join a prestigious university in Portsmouth dedicated to fighting educational inequality.
- Benefits: Earn £36.48 per hour with flexible working hours and autonomy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must have experience with Specific Learning Difficulties and relevant professional membership.
- Other info: Immediate start available; perfect for those passionate about education.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Location: Portsmouth
Salary: £36.48 per hour
Job Type: Freelance
About us: We are a national Non-Medical Help Provider supporting university students who are in receipt of DSA (Disabled Student Allowances). We believe in fighting inequality by helping people develop and learn. Education is a valuable life experience that can and should be made more accessible to people who have barriers to learning resulting from a disability, mental health condition, specific learning difficulty or neurodivergence. The specialist support workers we work with are highly qualified and provide professional, friendly, personalised, one-to-one support to higher education students to help them address their barriers to learning.
About the role: The Company is expanding our team of self-employed, freelance Specialist Study Skills Tutors to provide in-person support to university students. We are currently recruiting Specialist SpLD Study Skills Tutors who are able and willing to deliver face-to-face support on campus. This role cannot be undertaken on a remote or online-only basis. Applicants who are unable to provide in-person support should not apply. To deliver Specialist Study Skills support funded through Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), tutors must meet the mandatory qualification and professional membership requirements set by the Department for Education. Applications from candidates who do not meet these essential criteria cannot be considered. The tutors we work with are freelancers who value flexible working hours and autonomy over their schedules. Tutors typically meet each student regularly, usually for one to two hours per week, to explore and address the student's individual barriers to learning within their academic context. We are looking for suitable candidates who are available to start immediately.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Provide one-to-one, in-person specialist study skills support to university students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs), helping them to develop strategies to reduce the impact of their disability on academic study.
- Work collaboratively with students to identify needs, set goals, and review progress over time.
- Communicate professionally and effectively with the company and, where appropriate, with university Disability Advisor teams.
- Maintain accurate, secure digital records in line with the company and Department for Education requirements.
- Manage their own timetable and take a proactive approach to supporting student engagement.
About you: We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience supporting individuals with Specific Learning Difficulties (e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia). This experience does not need to be exclusively with adult learners.
- Has a strong understanding of the demands of academic study at university level.
- Has excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Is able to provide consistent, in-person support at a Prestigious University in Portsmouth.
Essential requirements: To be eligible for this role, you must meet the Department for Education's criteria for Specialist one-to-one Study Skills and Strategy Support. This includes current membership of one of the following UK professional bodies:
- PATOSS (Full or Associate membership)
- British Dyslexia Association (Professional membership)
- ADSHE (Professional membership)
- Dyslexia Guild (Associate, Member, or Fellow)
Please note: Membership of one of the above professional bodies is an essential and non-negotiable requirement for this role. Unfortunately, we are unable to consider applications from candidates who do not currently hold one of these memberships.
Please send your CV and the following information:
- Which professional body membership you hold.
- Whether you are available for in-person support at A Prestigious University in Portsmouth.
Candidates with the experience or relevant job titles: Teacher, Special Educational Needs Teacher, SENCO, Dyslexia Tutor, Tutor.
SpLD Study Skills Tutors in Portsmouth employer: BluetownOnline
Contact Detail:
BluetownOnline Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SpLD Study Skills Tutors in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the university and its culture! Research the institution's values and mission, especially around inclusivity and support for students with disabilities. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current tutors or staff at the university through LinkedIn or local events. They can provide insider tips on what the hiring team is looking for and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to supporting students with Specific Learning Difficulties. Think about real-life examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and how you’ve helped students overcome their barriers to learning.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a positive impact on students’ lives.
We think you need these skills to ace SpLD Study Skills Tutors in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students with Specific Learning Difficulties shine through. We want to see how much you care about making education accessible and how your experience aligns with our mission.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications. Focus on your work with students who have SpLDs and any specific strategies you've used to help them succeed. This will show us that you're the right fit for the role!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us that you’re keen to join our team and support students in person at the university.
How to prepare for a job interview at BluetownOnline
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) and the support strategies that work best for them. Familiarise yourself with the latest practices in the field, as well as the requirements set by the Department for Education. This will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely passionate about helping students.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience supporting individuals with SpLDs. Think of specific examples where you've made a difference in a student's academic journey. This will help demonstrate your ability to provide personalised support and your understanding of the challenges these students face.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication skills are a must for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more at ease during the actual interview and ensure you convey your ideas effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the role and the company. This shows your interest and enthusiasm for the position. You could inquire about the types of students you'll be working with or how the company supports its tutors in their professional development.