Disability and Wellbeing Specialist

About the Opportunity

Department: Student Support

Location: London (Hybrid role), 4 days on campus, 1 day from home

Term: Part time, 0.6 FTE

Salary Range: Up to £24,305 per annum, depending on experience

Benefits: The university supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance, offering flexible working and parental leave opportunities, an Employee Assistance Programme as well as optional private medical insurance, season ticket loans and a cycle to work scheme. Tuition fee remission is also available. Employees are automatically enrolled in the University’s pension scheme with a minimum 4% contribution. They may also join the Salary Sacrifice plan to make additional tax efficient pension contributions. The University matches 4% as standard, rising to 8% maximum for higher contributions. Employees can tailor their contributions with support from an appointed independent financial advisor.

The role: Reporting to the Disability & Wellbeing Manager, the Disability and Wellbeing Specialist plays a pivotal role in supporting students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, mental health difficulties, and other wellbeing needs to access and fully participate in university life. Working as part of a dedicated Student Support Team, you will provide high-quality, student-centered advice, guidance, and practical support, helping to remove barriers and promote an inclusive learning environment where our global community of students can thrive equally. This is a rewarding and varied role that requires a compassionate, proactive approach and a strong commitment to student equality and inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough needs assessments for students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, specific learning difficulties (SpLDs), mental health conditions, and neurodivergent profiles.
• Develop, implement, and review individual Learning Support Plans.
• Liaise with Faculty, Registry, and Assessments teams to ensure reasonable adjustments are put in place in a timely and effective manner.
• Support students in applying for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) and assist with evidence gathering.
• Signpost students to specialist resources and support services within the wider Northeastern network.
• Provide a first-point-of-contact service for students experiencing personal, emotional, or wellbeing difficulties, conducting initial assessments and triaging to appropriate services.
• Offer short-term, solution-focused wellbeing support and referral to internal and external services, including counselling, mental health advisers, NHS services, and community organisations.
• Support students experiencing crisis situations in collaboration with mental health specialist colleagues, applying appropriate safeguarding and risk management protocols.
• Promote a proactive approach to student wellbeing through participation in outreach initiatives, workshops, and awareness campaigns.
• Maintain detailed, confidential records using the university's case management system.
• Monitor student progress and engage in regular follow-up contact to ensure the effectiveness of support plans.
• Work collaboratively with academic staff, professional services staff, Student Union representatives, and external agencies to provide a joined-up support experience.
• Participate in the review of Hardship Fund applications for students experiencing financial difficulties.
• Provide guidance to support students with financial management skills including budgeting tips, student finance advice, and promotion of the University's Hardship Fund.
• Contribute to the development, review, and continuous improvement of policies, procedures, and guidance relating to disability and wellbeing.
• Participate in staff development activities, training, and relevant professional networks to maintain up-to-date knowledge and best practice.
• Support the induction and mentoring of new team members where required.
• Act as a University representative with relevant professional memberships, which may include organisations such as NADP and NASMA.

Person specification criteria:

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field (e.g., social work, psychology, counselling, education, health, or related discipline).
• Demonstrable experience of working with individuals with disabilities, mental health conditions, or wellbeing needs, ideally in a higher or further education setting.
• Sound working knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and its application within a higher education context.
• Experience of conducting needs assessments and developing Learning Support Plans.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage sensitively and effectively with a diverse student population.
• Strong organisational and case management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team within a global network.
• Commitment to confidentiality, professional boundaries, and safeguarding procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience of working with student record systems.
• Experience of the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) process and funding landscape.
• Experience of facilitating workshops or delivering training.
• Familiarity with NADP, NASMA, the Student Minds University Mental Health Charter, or similar sector networks and frameworks.

Additional Information:

Informal enquiries may be made to the Head of Student Support, Caroline Evans, on car.evans@nulondon.ac.uk. However, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.

Application process: Applications must include a covering letter of no more than one page and a full curriculum vitae. The panel will be shortlisting for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications. Please note this role will require a basic or enhanced DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of our students and staff, and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London. Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from all underrepresented groups, including the Global Majority. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.