At a Glance
- Tasks: Support disabled students with advice and guidance to enhance their learning experience.
- Company: Kingston University, committed to inclusivity and student success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Full-time, fixed-term role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by promoting independence and inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience in disability support.
The predicted salary is between 39407 - 39407 £ per year.
The Disability and Mental Health Service at Kingston University is seeking a Disability and Mental Health Advisor on a fixed‑term contract for 12 months to work within a multi‑disciplinary team and alongside the Disability and Mental Health Manager. You will support the delivery of information, advice and guidance to disabled students and applicants in a busy service which aims to remove barriers, promote inclusive practice and enable independent learning.
You will support disabled students (including those with Specific Learning Differences (SpLD’s), Long‑Term Health Conditions, Neurodivergent Conditions and Mental Health Conditions) with the coordination delivery, and access to appropriate support & adjustments which enable them to succeed in their studies. Please note that while this role provides support to students with Mental Health diagnoses, it is not a clinical/therapeutic one.
The role is primarily based at our Penrhyn Road campus with some working from home considered, in line with current University policy and business need. Occasional work by rota on Saturdays is required to support student recruitment events (for which time off in lieu will be given).
We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated individual to provide a professional and specialist advice, information, guidance and support service to disabled applicants and students. You will be educated to first degree level or have an equivalent level of professional experience. You will also have substantial knowledge of the issues affecting disabled students undertaking higher education studies and have experience of advising students on disability related matters.
You will have well‑developed interview/case work and communication skills. You will be able to work flexibly and be able to multi‑task, prioritise workload and work independently in a busy environment.
The Students Directorate aims to deliver a seamless, high‑quality experience for all current and future students to ensure they are “sought after” through supporting their participation, attainment, and success. This in turn will create a culture of high performance that is inclusive, innovative, ambitious and enterprising.
The Student Services team provides the University’s first- and second-line services for students incorporating the Information Centre, Library and Learning Services, Specialist Course Support and Administration, Student Engagement and Student Life, Health and Well‑being. This post sits within the Student Life, Health and Well‑being arm of the directorate. Services are designed to be accessible and inclusive of all students, to ensure their enquiries are resolved quickly and support is available to enable them to fully engage with and succeed in their studies.
This is a full time, fixed‑term position for 12 months, with a starting salary of £39,407 per annum. This post is available as a result of a long‑term staff absence and is expected to be held for the full duration. However, should the substantive post-holder choose to return to work earlier, this appointment may be terminated, subject to a one‑month notice period.
Disability and Mental Health Adviser in Kingston upon Thames employer: KINGSTON UNIVERSITY
Kingston University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the well-being and success of both staff and students. As a Disability and Mental Health Adviser, you will be part of a dedicated multi-disciplinary team committed to removing barriers and promoting independent learning for disabled students. With opportunities for professional growth and a culture that values innovation and high performance, working at our Penrhyn Road campus provides a meaningful and rewarding experience in the heart of a vibrant academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Disability and Mental Health Adviser in Kingston upon Thames
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at KINGSTON UNIVERSITY.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from KINGSTON UNIVERSITY!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like KINGSTON UNIVERSITY, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at KINGSTON UNIVERSITY or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Disability and Mental Health Adviser in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to KINGSTON UNIVERSITY:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to KINGSTON UNIVERSITY! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at KINGSTON UNIVERSITY
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
