Job summary The successful candidate will be expected to: manage a caseload of students, where the nature of work can be complex, rapid and unpredictable, work closely with the Disability Service Team Leader and colleagues in developing good systems and procedures provide information, advice and guidance on accessing support to students from pre- application to post-graduation stage provide information, advice and guidance to University colleagues on support arrangements for students, including providing disability awareness training accurately complete all administrative functions in a confidential and efficient manner including: updating electronic and paper records, keeping accurate data on students from entry to exit and take appropriate follow up action, tracking and monitoring student progress and achievement. fulfil the role of Senior Designated Safeguarding Champion for which full training will be provided. Main duties of the job To work closely with the Disability Service Team Leader and colleagues in developing good systems and procedures. To provide information, advice and guidance on accessing support to students from pre- application to post-graduation stage. To manage a caseload of students often with complex support requirements. To provide information, advice and guidance to University colleagues on support arrangements for students, including providing disability awareness training To accurately complete all administrative functions in a confidential and efficient manner including: updating electronic and paper records, keeping accurate data on students from entry to exit and take appropriate follow up action, tracking and monitoring student progress and achievement. To work as part of a team in Student Services to deliver effective student support services. To fulfil the role of a Senior Designated Safeguarding Champion (training provided) About us Here at the University of Bolton, we are proud of our growing reputation as a student focused University. With our strategy of Teaching Intensive, Research Informed, Assessment Enabled learning we are committed to offering our students the best experience possible. We are looking for a Disability Advisor to join the Student Services & Experience Directorate to deliver disability related support to students at the University of Bolton. We ask a lot from our staff but in return, you will receive a competitive benefits package including access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, an employee benefits scheme and generous annual leave entitlement. As a small University, you will have opportunities to work with colleagues across campus to support and deliver the best student experience possible. Date posted 03 March 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary £27,890 to £32,983 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number N0008-SSE-035P-R Job locations Deane Road Bolton BL3 5AB Job description Job responsibilities 1. Within service standards and university procedures- to provide information, advice and guidance to students and prospective students on disability related topics including applying for Disabled Students Allowance or other financial assistance and support arrangements via appointments, emails, over the telephone and video conferencing. 2. To liaise with academic and professional support staff as required, to offer relevant advice, practical arrangements and guidance in relation to individual support needs. 3. Liaise with colleagues at partner organisations/colleges to ensure support is put in place for students studying off campus 4. Work with external agencies e.g. Student Finance England, assessors, suppliers and organisations on appropriate support and facilities for individual students. 5. Refer to specialist services where available and appropriate. 6. Deal effectively and timely with a variety of telephone and written enquires from prospective students, their representatives, members of staff and students of the University. 7. To work closely with the University Life Lounge team and refer students as appropriate. 8. Develop and maintain in conjunction with colleagues appropriate, timely and accurate record systems. 9. Take the lead and facilitate staff training sessions on disability awareness, inclusive practice and legislation. 10. Play an active role in producing and maintaining a range of sources of information in order to provide support and guidance to students and colleagues. 11. To develop and deploy specialist skills and knowledge of disability advisory work when attending staff meetings, taking part in case load discussions and taking an active role in the team development e.g. leading a case review meeting with relevant staff. 12. To use a solution focused approach when dealing with difficult situations and complex cases, working closely with colleagues. 13. Preserve the confidential nature of the service provided to individuals while responding appropriately to the Universitys duty of care to others. 14. Assist in the preparation of reports and statistics, as well as the input, extraction and manipulation of data in a timely manner as and when required. 15. Assess customer satisfaction and make recommendations for service improvements. Work with a team of Staff to ensure compliance with the Customer Service Excellence Award. 16. To work flexibly as part of the Student Services and Experience Directorate, covering main reception, assisting colleagues in the Student Centre and Life Lounge at peak times during the year. 17. To fulfil the role of a Senior Designated Safeguarding Champion liaising with internal and external safeguarding partners in response to safeguarding concerns. 18. Staff may be required, from time to time and on an ad hoc basis, to work additional hours and/or hours outside of their normal working pattern to meet the needs of the service. This will include supporting activities such as Graduation, Cleating and Open Days. 19. Ensure a safe working environment and abide by university health and safety policies and practices and to observe the Universitys Equal Opportunities policy and Dignity at Work policy at all times. 20. Ensure and maintain integrity and confidentiality of data and associated data protection requirements in line with statutory and corporate requirements 21. Awareness of environmental and sustainability issues and a commitment to the Universitys associated strategy with respect performance / delivery of key responsibilities of the role. Job description Job responsibilities 1. Within service standards and university procedures- to provide information, advice and guidance to students and prospective students on disability related topics including applying for Disabled Students Allowance or other financial assistance and support arrangements via appointments, emails, over the telephone and video conferencing. 2. To liaise with academic and professional support staff as required, to offer relevant advice, practical arrangements and guidance in relation to individual support needs. 3. Liaise with colleagues at partner organisations/colleges to ensure support is put in place for students studying off campus 4. Work with external agencies e.g. Student Finance England, assessors, suppliers and organisations on appropriate support and facilities for individual students. 5. Refer to specialist services where available and appropriate. 6. Deal effectively and timely with a variety of telephone and written enquires from prospective students, their representatives, members of staff and students of the University. 7. To work closely with the University Life Lounge team and refer students as appropriate. 8. Develop and maintain in conjunction with colleagues appropriate, timely and accurate record systems. 9. Take the lead and facilitate staff training sessions on disability awareness, inclusive practice and legislation. 10. Play an active role in producing and maintaining a range of sources of information in order to provide support and guidance to students and colleagues. 11. To develop and deploy specialist skills and knowledge of disability advisory work when attending staff meetings, taking part in case load discussions and taking an active role in the team development e.g. leading a case review meeting with relevant staff. 12. To use a solution focused approach when dealing with difficult situations and complex cases, working closely with colleagues. 13. Preserve the confidential nature of the service provided to individuals while responding appropriately to the Universitys duty of care to others. 14. Assist in the preparation of reports and statistics, as well as the input, extraction and manipulation of data in a timely manner as and when required. 15. Assess customer satisfaction and make recommendations for service improvements. Work with a team of Staff to ensure compliance with the Customer Service Excellence Award. 16. To work flexibly as part of the Student Services and Experience Directorate, covering main reception, assisting colleagues in the Student Centre and Life Lounge at peak times during the year. 17. To fulfil the role of a Senior Designated Safeguarding Champion liaising with internal and external safeguarding partners in response to safeguarding concerns. 18. Staff may be required, from time to time and on an ad hoc basis, to work additional hours and/or hours outside of their normal working pattern to meet the needs of the service. This will include supporting activities such as Graduation, Cleating and Open Days. 19. Ensure a safe working environment and abide by university health and safety policies and practices and to observe the Universitys Equal Opportunities policy and Dignity at Work policy at all times. 20. Ensure and maintain integrity and confidentiality of data and associated data protection requirements in line with statutory and corporate requirements 21. Awareness of environmental and sustainability issues and a commitment to the Universitys associated strategy with respect performance / delivery of key responsibilities of the role. Person Specification Experience Essential Proven track record of implementing high quality disability advice with specific requirements in a HE/FE environment. Proven track record of maintaining a helpful and cooperative manner when dealing with difficult situations and working under pressure Demonstrable record of establishing effective working relationships with a wide range of people in a challenging environment Experience of working within an educational setting or working within other student facing services in HE/FE Desirable An understanding of safeguarding legislation and experience of safeguarding students in FE/HE Qualifications Essential Honours degree in relevant subject area or equivalent level experience supporting individuals with complex learning difficulties and other disabilities. Up to date working knowledge of sources of information, specialist support and equipment for disabled students in HE Up to date working knowledge of disability legislation and its application within HE (Equality Act) and the impact of not being compliant Ability to work flexibly as part of a multi-disciplinary team and cover for other team members in their absence. Excellent time management and caseload management skills and experience of prioritising competing demands with minimum support Competent in the use of IT e.g. proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, word, excel, access, email, Video Conferencing such as Zoom and MS Teams Excellent verbal and written communication skills e.g. the ability to communicate effectively and explain standard service procedures to students, staff at all levels and external colleagues. Excellent and proven administration skills e.g. organised record keeping, retrieving, analysing, presenting data and producing reports. Person Specification Experience Essential Proven track record of implementing high quality disability advice with specific requirements in a HE/FE environment. Proven track record of maintaining a helpful and cooperative manner when dealing with difficult situations and working under pressure Demonstrable record of establishing effective working relationships with a wide range of people in a challenging environment Experience of working within an educational setting or working within other student facing services in HE/FE Desirable An understanding of safeguarding legislation and experience of safeguarding students in FE/HE Qualifications Essential Honours degree in relevant subject area or equivalent level experience supporting individuals with complex learning difficulties and other disabilities. Up to date working knowledge of sources of information, specialist support and equipment for disabled students in HE Up to date working knowledge of disability legislation and its application within HE (Equality Act) and the impact of not being compliant Ability to work flexibly as part of a multi-disciplinary team and cover for other team members in their absence. Excellent time management and caseload management skills and experience of prioritising competing demands with minimum support Competent in the use of IT e.g. proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, word, excel, access, email, Video Conferencing such as Zoom and MS Teams Excellent verbal and written communication skills e.g. the ability to communicate effectively and explain standard service procedures to students, staff at all levels and external colleagues. Excellent and proven administration skills e.g. organised record keeping, retrieving, analysing, presenting data and producing reports. Employer details Employer name University of Bolton Address Deane Road Bolton BL3 5AB Employer's website http://www.bolton.ac.uk (Opens in a new tab)