Specialist Study Skills Support Tutor (Autism and SpLD)

As a Specialist Study Skills Tutor (SpLD and Autism) you will work with individual students in the development of bespoke strategies to support independent learning and self-management to address barriers to learning created by their disability. You will provide study skills support that will assist students to develop the academic and organisational skills to manage their course and workload effectively. You will empower the student to manage difficulties that their disability has on their capacity to achieve their academic potential.

Actual hours and days will be described in a 'Schedule of Work'.

Principal Accountabilities:

Set clear standards and expectations for the sessions delivered and ensure the nature of the help provided is in line with agreed support.

Work with students individually in pre-booked appointments to identify learning styles and strengths, making use of assistive technology to facilitate independent learning.

Assist students to develop their skills in: structuring essays and other written work; critical and reflective thinking and research skills; comprehension, summarising, referencing and note taking; developing and implementing proof reading strategies; assisting with time management and other academic-related organisational skills; examination preparation/revision techniques; understanding and implementing feedback from academic staff.

Prepare a structured individual learning plan based on the student's learning strengths/preferences.

Provide support for students using specialist software for time management, assignment planning and structure, numeracy and ensure these tools are integrated into the support strategy.

Maintain professional confidential working relationships, working to the Student Services Code of Conduct and Confidentiality Policy.

Attend team and peer supervision meetings.

Complete a minimum of 10 hours Continuous Professional Development (CPD) per year to keep abreast of changes and developments in the field and to ensure compliance with professional competency standards as required by Disabled Students' Allowance Quality Assurance Framework (DSA-QAF).

Maintain timely and accurate records of all student contact including detailed notes of each session to ensure funding can be promptly claimed and student progress monitored.

Provide support to the wider Student Support team when available.

Provide information and guidance to staff within the University on issues relating to dyslexia and other Specific Learning Differences.

Demonstrate and promote the values and behaviours of the University and embrace equality and diversity.

Contribute to the ongoing development, planning and auditing of the service.

Maintain a safe working environment in accordance with the University Health and Safety Policy.

Be responsible for promoting the University's Equality & Diversity Policy.

Person Specification — Essential Criteria:

Qualifications:
A relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent experience. Membership of a professional body for Specific Learning Difficulties (e.g. PASSHE, ADG, PATOSS) or a recognised Teaching Qualification (minimum level 4). Mandatory DfE qualification and professional body membership requirements to deliver DSA's fundable Non-Medical Help (NMH) Specialist Mentor roles.

Experience:
Experience of supporting adult learners with Specific Learning Differences. Experience of supporting adult learners with Autism. Experience and knowledge of using specialist assistive software to support students with Specific Learning Differences. Experience in the delivery of one-to-one tuition and group work with adults with Specific Learning Differences. Experience of, and being able to, demonstrate the confidence to deliver training/workshops to large groups.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:
Knowledge of Specific Learning Differences. Skills in interpreting diagnostic assessment reports and in using these to inform the design and planning of teaching interventions. Ability to assist students with researching, referencing, reflective writing and time management skills. Excellent literacy skills to support teaching. Ability to summarise complex ideas or information which may be highly detailed, technical or specialist. Excellent written communication. Excellent IT skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and social media. An understanding of the diversity of the student population and their needs in respect of services. Sensitivity in working across disciplines.

Business Requirements:
Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Willingness and ability to travel to different university campuses to deliver specialist support to students. Ability to work outside of normal working hours (including some evenings and weekends) to support the business during key University events.

Benefits:
Annual leave accrual. Local Government Pension Scheme. Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme. Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers. Discounted onsite gym. A flexible working environment. A commitment to personal and professional development.

Note: The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.