Student Support Accessibility Adviser (1.0 FTE) (Fixed Term until July 2027) in Glasgow

In conjunction with Access & Inclusion Manager, the post holder will provide appropriate and impartial information, advice, and support to all prospective and current students in all campuses and in a range of settings. The post holder will act as the College’s specialist lead for accessibility support and Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). The role will involve undertaking specialist assessment of complex accessibility and disability-related needs, coordinating reasonable adjustments and external support provision, and leading on DSA needs assessment processes and related funding arrangements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct specialist assessments to identify accessibility needs and learning barriers, including coordinating and producing Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) assessments and reports in line with SAAS guidance.
• Act as the College’s lead adviser on DSA processes, providing expert advice to students and ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate and implement reasonable adjustments, assistive technology, and funded support, while monitoring effectiveness and carrying out regular reviews.
• Manage student referrals for additional support, delivering needs assessments, one-to-one support, and progress reviews in collaboration with academic teams.
• Build effective relationships with internal departments, external agencies, and support providers to ensure timely, holistic student support.
• Maintain accurate records and data to support reporting, compliance, and service evaluation.
• Deliver training, guidance, and workshops on accessibility, inclusive practice, and assistive technologies to students and staff.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of accessibility services, policies, and procedures.
• Provide high-quality advice and customer service to students, managing communications and supporting day-to-day service delivery.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and professional standards.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise:

• Educated to HNC/SCQF level 7 or equivalent.
• Possess, or be working towards, a Professional Development Award (PDA) in Advancing Equality and Diversity through Inclusiveness (SCQF Level 9) – Practising Inclusiveness through Needs-Led Assessment, or an equivalent qualification relating to needs assessment, accessibility, or inclusive practice within education.
• Experience in working in a similar role.

Knowledge:

• Demonstrate knowledge of inclusion and disabilities.
• Knowledge of Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) processes and guidance administered by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).
• Knowledge of assistive technologies and accessibility tools used to support people with disabilities in Further and Higher Education and/or employment.
• Knowledge relating to student support.

Skills and Competencies:

• Ability to assess complex support needs and produce clear written recommendations.
• Ability to deliver assistive technology demonstrations and training to students.
• Ability to interpret medical or diagnostic evidence in relation to DSA and educational support needs.
• Ability to produce clear written reports and support recommendations for funding bodies and internal stakeholders.
• Good level of IT Literacy including a working knowledge of MS Word, Teams, Access, and Excel.
• Ability to work online and face to face.
• Ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team.
• Ability to remain calm in demanding situations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Confident and self-motivated.
• Potential flexibility to cover evening events as required.

Experience:

• Experience supporting Disabled Students’ Allowance applications or accessibility funding processes within Further or Higher Education and/or employment.
• Experience of assistive technology implementation or training.
• Experience of carrying out DSA, or other funded, needs assessment and subsequent report writing.
• Experience liaising with external funding bodies or specialist support providers.
• Previous experience of working within a customer care and client central environment.
• Previous experience of working with a diversity of clients especially those with additional support needs or speakers of other languages advantageous.
• Previous experience of working in an advocacy role.

Benefits:

• Access to a generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Hybrid working (dependent on the needs of the service).
• Annual Leave – 33 days per annum plus 12 public holidays.
• A professional development review process – continuous professional and personal development.
• Professional and personal development for all staff – we offer an extensive range of staff development opportunities and events to support you in your role, help you reach your full potential and plan for your future.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Mileage Allowance – reclaimable for travel on College Business.
• Employee Assistance Programme – a 24-hour service that supports your health and wellbeing.
• Flexible Working and Family Friendly Policy – Flexible Working, Maternity, Parental, Paternity and Adoption Leave – enhanced entitlements.
• Sick Pay – Enhanced entitlement above the national average.
• Wellbeing – a range of activities to enhance and support your wellbeing, access to sports facilities and fitness activities.