At a Glance
- Tasks: Support university students with study skills and strategies to overcome learning barriers.
- Company: Join a national provider dedicated to making education accessible for all students.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive pay, and potential funding for qualifications.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while enjoying a supportive and dynamic work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with autism or SpLDs and relevant professional memberships are essential.
- Other info: Freelance role with the opportunity to work in-person at universities across London.
Location: London
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 work with students in person at one or several universities across London. We're looking for people who could specialise in Autism Study Skills and/or SpLD Study Skills support to start soon or in the new academic year. In order to provide this support, you would need to meet the strict mandatory qualifications as detailed below. At this time, we are specifically looking for people who could meet the students in-person rather than only providing support remotely. The Specialist Study Skills Tutors we work with are freelancers who enjoy having flexible working hours and control over their own timetable. They meet each student regularly, usually for an hour or two each week, to explore and address the student's unique barriers to learning in their academic situation.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Work with university students on a one-to-one basis to provide personalised specialist support, teaching them study skills, and developing strategies together that will help reduce the impact of their disability on their academic work.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with us within the company and also, when appropriate, with colleagues in the university Disability Advisor team.
- Maintain accurate and secure digital records in line with the company's and the Department for Education's requirements.
- Be responsible for their own timetable and be proactive in helping students to engage with their support.
About you:
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience in supporting autistic people and/or people with specific learning disabilities (SpLDs such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or dyspraxia). This experience does not necessarily need to be with adult learners.
- Has a good understanding of the requirements of academic work at university level.
- Has excellent verbal and written communication.
- Meets the essential criteria for the 'Specialist one-to-one Study Skills and Strategy Support' role mandated by the Department for Education as detailed below.
Essential requirements:
A Specialist SpLD Study Skills Tutor requires membership of one of the following professional bodies:
- PATOSS (full or associate membership)
- British Dyslexia Association (professional membership)
- ADSHE (professional membership)
- Dyslexia Guild (Associate, Member or Fellow)
A Specialist Autism Study Skills Tutor requires:
- A degree
- AND a teaching qualification
- AND the "Non-medical helpers and mentors (NHM) bundle" provided by the National Autistic Society (NAS)
- AND one of the following comprehensive training courses in adult autism:
- EITHER the "Autism and SPELL in Higher Education" course provided by the National Autistic Society (NAS)
- OR the "Working Effectively with Autistic University Students" course provided by the National Association of Disability Practitioners (NADP)
- OR the "Mentoring and Study Skills and Strategy Support for autistic and ADHD students in HE" course provided by Optimum Student Support
- OR any CPD-accredited course that is focused on autism in Higher Education as its lead subject
Benefits:
- Highly paid
- Flexible working
- We would consider paying for the right candidate to gain the necessary autism-specific qualifications if they met the other criteria and had exceptional experience.
Please click the APPLY button to submit your CV for this role.
Candidates with the experience or relevant job titles: Teacher, Special Educational Needs Teacher, SENCO, Dyslexia Tutor, Tutor.
Specialist Autism and/or SpLD Study Skills Tutors employer: BluetownOnline
Contact Detail:
BluetownOnline Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Autism and/or SpLD Study Skills Tutors
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of special education and autism support. Attend relevant workshops, seminars, or conferences to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the latest practices in study skills tutoring.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements and qualifications needed for the role. Make sure you understand the essential criteria set by the Department for Education, as this will help you highlight your relevant experience during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with autistic individuals and those with specific learning disabilities. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully supported students in overcoming their academic challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion for making education accessible. During any discussions or interviews, express your commitment to fighting inequality in education and how you can contribute to our mission at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Autism and/or SpLD Study Skills Tutors
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in supporting autistic individuals and those with specific learning disabilities. Include relevant qualifications, such as memberships in professional bodies like PATOSS or the British Dyslexia Association.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for helping students overcome barriers to learning. Mention specific experiences where you've successfully supported students with autism or SpLDs, and how you can contribute to the company's mission.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications that meet the essential criteria for the role, such as teaching qualifications and any autism-specific training courses you've completed. This will demonstrate your readiness for the position.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in this role, provide examples in your application of how you've communicated professionally with students and colleagues. This could include experiences in maintaining accurate records or collaborating with university staff.
How to prepare for a job interview at BluetownOnline
✨Show Your Passion for Inclusivity
Make sure to express your commitment to fighting inequality and supporting students with disabilities. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive your passion for helping others in their educational journey.
✨Demonstrate Your Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and experience in detail, especially regarding autism and specific learning difficulties. Highlight any relevant training or certifications you possess, as well as practical examples of how you've supported students in the past.
✨Communicate Clearly and Professionally
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing. Be ready to showcase your ability to engage with students and collaborate with university staff.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Show your interest in the role by preparing thoughtful questions about the company, its values, and the support provided to students. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and helps you assess if the position aligns with your goals.