Senior Disability Adviser

Job Title: Senior Disability Adviser Accountable to: Disability Services Deputy Manager Contract Length: 15 Months Hours per week/FTE: Full-time Weeks per year: 52 Grade: 5 College/Service: University Disability Service Location: University Disability Service at High Holborn and other College sites Purpose of Role: To be part of the University Disability Service, working with the Deputy Manager, overseeing the work of Disability Advisers and directly delivering advice and support to prospective and current students on disability access and support issues, funding and other sources of support. To work closely with the Disability Services Deputy Manager to lead the development of the disability adviser team, in developing good systems and procedures and in realising the disability strategic plan. To work closely with Dyslexia Co-ordinators, Academic and Study Support Staff, to communicate effectively about students� access requirements and support needs. Duties and Responsibilities � Within service level agreements and in line with agreed team and university procedures to provide information, advice and guidance to students and prospective students on disability related topics including applying for Disabled Students Allowances or other financial assistance, access and support arrangements � To support, develop and oversee the work of other Disability Advisers to provide these information, advice and guidance services. � Within service level agreements and in line with agreed team and university procedures, to offer college and other staff guidance on disability equality good practice, including making adjustments in relation to teaching, learning and assessment and to oversee the work of other Disability Advisers to ensure that consistent and high quality practice is established and maintained � To work closely with College Heads of Academic Support, academic- and dyslexia support staff to develop and maintain good levels of communication between Disability Advisers and college staff and students and co-ordination of provision � Be a positive and participative member of the University Disability Service. � To undertake specialist casework with students with a range of specific learning difficulties, mobility impairments, sensory impairments, hidden impairments, mental health difficulties, and autistic spectrum conditions and to oversee the casework of other Disability Advisers. The post-holder will develop and deploy specialist skills and knowledge of disability advisory work in one or more areas of special interest in order to support their casework and will encourage and support other Disability Advisers to develop and deploy their own areas of specialist interest. � To liaise and refer to external agencies such as Student Finance England, external suppliers of equipment and support workers, Social Services and to maintain and share up-to-date information and contact details for external bodies. � Where appropriate to undertake advocacy and to negotiate on behalf of students, both within the University and in respect of outside bodies such as Student Finance England and equipment providers and to oversee and develop Disability Adviser�s practice and knowledge to provide a consistent level of service. � In liaison with the Deputy Manager and team to develop and facilitate and participate in UAL�s disability equality staff training provision � To undertake and oversee accurate statistical recording, and to contribute to the evaluation and monitoring of the service. � In line with agreed Team and University procedures to undertake and oversee a range of administrative tasks in order to support the delivery of disability advice and support. � With Disability Administrators and managers, to develop, and update disability related information and guidance, using a range of media (leaflets, website, briefings/ events etc). � To work closely with College staff, and members of Counselling Health Advice Service and other members of University staff or Student�s Union sabbaticals as appropriate. � To provide DSA application support and associated liaison with doctors, psychologists, access centres and Student Finance England, developing and sharing links and contacts. � With the Deputy Manager and Head of service, to monitor expenditure on students� support, including University-, DSA- and Additional Learning Support expenditure � With the Deputy Manager, Head of Service and college staff to explore new types of support for students and to undertake project work to support the development of the service and to work with Disability Advisers to identify, develop and monitor their own projects. � To devise and deliver presentations on disability access and inclusion and to encourage and support Disability Advisers to contribute and deliver such presentations. � To represent the work of the team at appropriate committees and other meetings, both internally and externally. � To keep up-to-date with changes and developments in legislation, best practice and procedures across the sector. � To perform such duties consistent with your position as may be assigned to you anywhere within the University. � To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post. � A commitment to the University of the Arts London�s Equal Opportunities Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of this post. � A commitment to your own development through effective use of the University�s appraisal scheme and staff development processes, regular training and continuing professional development activities. Key Working Relationships: Disability Advisers, Managers and other staff, and external partners, suppliers etc; with whom regular contact is required. 1. Disability Service staff 2. University Mental Health Advisers, Health Adviser and other staff from the Counselling and Health Team 3. College Heads of Academic Support. 4. Programme Directors, Course Leaders and academic tutors and programme/course administrators. 5. Staff working within Library Services and Learning Zones. 6. Health and Safety and Estates staff. 7. The University Diversity Team 8. Student Finance England 9. Support providers Specific Management Responsibilities Budgets: Delegated authority for approving expenditure on individual students� support Staff: Disability Advisers Other (e.g. accommodation; equipment):