University of the Built Environment
Disability Adviser
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Disability Adviser
Disability and Welfare Adviser (Part-Time) – University of the Built Environment
Employment Overview
Status: Permanent (Part-time, 21 hours per week) Flexibility: Weekly pattern negotiable at interview, with a minimum of one in-office day per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) at Horizons, Reading office. Remote work: Split between office and home (subject to environment suitability).
Role Overview
The Disability and Welfare team supports all students to ensure they are safe, well-informed, and successful throughout their studies. This role focuses primarily on autistic students and those with long-term health conditions, though support for all disabilities is provided at key times.
As the Disability and Welfare Adviser, you will:
- Provide information, advice, and guidance to students on reasonable adjustments, support plans, and external funding (e.g., Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)).
- Conduct needs assessments and develop personal Additional Support Plans (ASPs).
- Collaborate with academic colleagues, external agencies, and university staff to ensure inclusivity.
- Advise on inclusive teaching strategies and facilitate access to university-wide support.
- Maintain confidential, up-to-date records in compliance with data protection and safeguarding legislation.
Key Responsibilities
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Case Management:
- Monitor student queries/cases promptly.
- Manage a case load of students, including those with complex needs.
- Support needs assessments, ASP creation, and adjustment implementation.
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Funding & External Support:
- Assist with DSA and apprentice learning support applications, ensuring successful outcomes.
- Liaise with external specialists (e.g., disability coaches, mental health services).
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Stakeholder Collaboration:
- Work with Student Services, Academic teams, and external providers.
- Advise on inclusive teaching and learning for diverse student needs.
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Compliance & Reporting:
- Keep abreast of safeguarding, Prevent, disability, and welfare legislation.
- Maintain records ensuring audit and data protection compliance.
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Student Advocacy & Training:
- Promote self-advocacy among students.
- Develop resources and deliver training where needed.
- Stay updated with sector best practices in higher education support.
Requirements & Skills
Essential (E) & Desirable (D) Criteria
Qualifications & Training
- GCSE Maths & English (Grade C/4 or above) (E, Assessed via Application)
- Evidence of relevant CPD (E, Interview)
- *Further Education qualifications (D, Assessed via Application)
- *Degree-level qualification (D, Assessed via Application)
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Experience
- Paid/volunteered pastoral support (E, A/I)
- Supporting disabled people, especially those with complex needs (E, A/I)
- (Inclusive of ADHD, long-term mental health conditions, sensory/physical impairments.)
- In-Higher Education support (experience with reasonable adjustments under Equality Act 2010) (D, A/I)
- *Small-group coaching/mentoring (D)
- *Safeguarding/welfare case management (D)
Knowledge & Competencies
- *Assistive Technology (E, A/I)
- *Safeguarding/Disability Legislation, including Equality Act 2010 (E, I/T)
- *Data Protection knowledge (E, Interview)
- *MS Office (Teams, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel/Word) & systems proficiency (E, Interview/Test)
Behaviours & Attitude
- Alignment with University’s core values (E, Refer to Competency Framework)
- Strong communication (sensitive, adaptable for varied audiences)
- Resilience & empathy (ability to handle distressing disclosements)
- Time management & organisation (balanced workload with complex cases)
- Commitment to inclusivity and student success (E)
Other Requirements
- Willingness to undertake mandatory safeguarding/Prevent training.
- Ability to build relationships remotely (digital engagement).
- Human-led screening: Do not upload CVs or customise also for automated systems—all applications reviewed manually.
Recruitment Process
Applicant Note:
- Safer recruitment process includes:
- Verification of qualifications, right to work, basic CRB checks, and employment history (3 years).
- Closing date: Wednesday, 15 July 2026, 17:00.
- No automated filtering; priority given to quality applications.
- Interviews: Two stages, beginning week commencing 27 July 2026 (actual dates depend on availability).
- Interview format: Video (Teams/Zoom); location will be confirmed per preference (Reading/London office). Meeting with Senior Leadership Team expected.
Salary & Benefits
Annual & Part-Time Equivalence
- Salary: Up to £18,600 (equivalent to £31,000 FTE).
- Hours: 21/week (25.2 x 179.2 = approx. 3880 FTE hours).
Employment Benefits
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Holidays | 26 days + bank/public holidays (escupe to 28 with tenure); 5 paid closure days* (optional well-being day for staff); Buy/Sell Holiday Scheme. |
| Flexibility | Holidays start August 1–July 31 each year |
| Pension/Life Assurance | Scheduled to People’s Pension (salary sacrifice); Life Assurance in place across all employees. |
| Family-Friendly | Statutory paid leave enhanced from day 1; Tax-Free Childcare eligibility. |
| Wellbeing | Employee Assistance Programme; Thrive app; Mental Health First Aiders; wellbeing policy; pillar-based (work, life, community, sleep, health). |
| Sustainable Travel | Cycle/EV salary sacrifice schemes; shed parking for bikes; long-term waiting list for office-level car parking. |
| Health Benefits | Employer-funded Health Cash Plan (SimplyHealth); voluntary dental insurance (Unum). |
| Other Perks | Charity giving (1 voluntary paid day/year); Microsoft Office 365 for personal use; lifestyle discounts; LinkedIn Learning. |
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Contact & Additional Resources
Enquiries
- Postal/Position-specific: Richard Higgins, Head of Disability and Welfare
- Email: r.higgins@ube.ac.uk
- Phone: 0118 467 2036
- General HR: recruitment@ube.ac.uk
- Phone: 0118 467 2454 (HR) / 0118 467 2433 (Support)
- Referral Note: If recommended by an employee, mention their name in your application.
Information About the University
- Sustainability Strategy: [Five-Year Plan Overview] ([Expected link])
- Culture: Growth mindset in line with competitor institutions.
- Opening hours: 8:00–16:30 (weekdays).
Note: Late applications will not be considered. Human reviews assess flexibility, motivation, and competency match.
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