Disability Adviser in Sheffield

Overview

Designation: Disability Adviser – University’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS).

In this role you will support disabled students and applicants, advising on university support and facilitating access to services. You will work one‑to‑one with students, liaise with academic schools, external agencies, and internal colleagues to implement support plans and ensure a high‑quality, barrier‑free learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual needs assessment and implement support arrangements, monitoring effectiveness.
• Advise disabled applicants on transition to university study and life.
• Communicate with academic schools and create Learning Support Plans and Exam Support Adjustments.
• Liaise with Student Health and Wellbeing, external agencies (e.g., autism support providers) to facilitate support.
• Plan, prioritise and organise caseload, mainly students on the autism spectrum, mental health or medical conditions.
• Carry out a high volume of administrative duties, respond to enquiries, maintain accurate records on the service database.
• Support students to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) and liaise with relevant bodies.
• Monitor and review processes to maintain excellent customer service.
• Contribute to team planning and review activity to inform service development.
• Develop and deliver staff training and online resources on barriers faced by disabled students.
• Maintain contemporary knowledge of best practice and legislative developments; contribute to policy development.
• Carry out other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience advising/supporting disabled people in higher education, including neurodivergent individuals.
• Comprehensive understanding of barriers faced by disabled students and the support needed to remove them.
• Knowledge of disability and equality legislation and financial support available to disabled students.
• Strong liaison skills with colleagues and external organisations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce succinct reports and deliver training.
• Strong IT skills – proficient in MS Office and cloud applications.
• Excellent organisational skills – ability to manage time effectively, prioritise work and solve problems creatively.
• Team player with experience of collaborative process development.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Ability to maintain professionalism in challenging situations.
• Desirable: experience of supporting people who are blind or visually impaired.

Salary & Benefits

Grade 7 – Annual salary £38,784–£47,389, potential to progress to £51,753. Benefits include:

• Competitive annual leave with option to purchase additional days.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities.
• Retail discounts and rewards.
• Access to staff networks, mentoring and professional development.
• Family‑friendly policies – paid time off for parenting, caring emergencies, menopause support, fertility treatment, etc.

Employment Details

Grade: 7

Work arrangement: Full‑time; split week between home and office, office required at least 60% of the week.

Duration: Fixed‑term maternity cover from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2027.

Line Manager: Senior Adviser, DDSS.