Disability Adviser in North East

Department: Student Support Services / Disability Services

Reports To: Head of Disability Services / Disability Team Manager

Location: Durham - Hybrid working available (up to 2 days per week from home with remote appointments, or fully on-site if preferred).

Role Overview

The Disability Adviser is responsible for providing high-quality, proactive, and confidential support to students with disabilities, specific learning difficulties, neurodivergent conditions, and long-term health conditions. This role ensures the university meets its legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 by assessing individual needs, recommending reasonable adjustments, and promoting an inclusive educational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver both face-to-face and remote student appointments, managing a daily schedule that includes 15-minute quick query appointments as well as in-depth 45-minute specialist appointments.
• Assess student needs and create comprehensive Disability Support Plans within the university's student records system (full training on this system will be provided).
• Evaluate, recommend, and process exam concessions to ensure students have appropriate accommodations during assessment periods.
• Advise students on securing external funding or support grants, such as the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), and assist with the application processes.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and GDPR-compliant case notes and records.
• Manage general communications with colleges, academic departments, and professional services to facilitate the smooth implementation of student support.
• Act as a key point of contact to resolve any issues, disputes, or implementation failures regarding recommended adjustments in a pragmatic and diplomatic manner.
• Coordinate with external agencies, medical professionals, educational psychologists, and specialist support providers to ensure a cohesive approach to student wellbeing.
• Provide expert guidance to colleges and departments on inclusive practices, digital accessibility, and reasonable adjustments.
• Keep up to date with relevant legislation, Higher Education best practices, and emerging assistive technologies to continually improve service delivery.

Person Specification

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven advisory or support experience managing a complex caseload of individuals with varied disabilities.
• Experience conducting needs assessments and formulating practical support plans.
• Comprehensive understanding of the Equality Act 2010 and statutory frameworks regarding disability.
• Strong understanding of the social model of disability and reasonable adjustments.
• Excellent interpersonal and empathetic listening skills, with the ability to manage time-sensitive 15-minute and 45-minute appointments effectively.
• Strong advocacy and communication skills to influence academic staff and resolve issues collaboratively with colleges and departments.
• Strong IT proficiency with the ability to learn and adapt to bespoke student records systems quickly.
• Previous advisory or support experience specifically within a Higher Education (HE) setting.
• Specialist qualification in SpLD, Autism, or mental health support.
• Membership with a relevant professional body (e.g., NADP).
• Working knowledge of HE funding streams like the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).
• Familiarity with current assistive software and hardware.
• Competence in analyzing institutional data to identify accessibility gaps.