Study Assistant
Disability Service, Student Services
Job Description
Responsible to:
Support Worker Scheme Co-ordinator / Advisers,
Disability Service, Student Services
Payrolled by:
Randstad Student & Worker Support
Location:
Bangor University
Grade/Scale
Band 2 - £12.50 per hour (includes payment in respect of specific
administrative duties, according to the Code of Practice).
Source of funding:
Disabled Students’ Allowance
Purpose of the Job
To work with the student on a variety of enabling strategies to overcome barriers, to assist
the student in engaging with learning activities according to the agreed established support
work action plan. Duties will be tailored to meet the individual needs of the student.
Main Duties and Responsibilities

To adhere to Bangor University’s Code of Practice for Support Workers. See:
http://www.bangor.ac.uk/studentservices/disability/index.php.en

To alert the Service if there are any concerns about the student.

To communicate effectively with the Support Worker Scheme Co-ordinator: providing
information promptly; submitting claims for payment correctly and on time; to keep the
service informed of availability for work.

To maintain confidentiality within the professional role at all times, sharing information
with the Adviser/Co-ordinator.

Willingness to undertake training and continuing professional development when
opportunities are made available, in order to improve confidence and skills in the role
of Study Assistant.

To work in line with a model of support that promotes the independence and resilience
of our students in order to best prepare them for their future study or career goals.

Engage with the supervision of practice as led by Advisers, sharing practice with
colleagues and adhering to the requirement of the service’s systems, procedures and
quality standards (including the Matrix Quality Standard) as defined through the line
management of the service.

Work collaboratively with colleagues as part of a multi-disciplinary team within
Disability Services and across Student Services, ensuring effective cross-referrals and
promoting a holistic approach to student support.

To reflect on own progress in meeting the requirements of the role.

To take care of their own wellbeing, to promote the health and safety of themselves
and others.

To use a learner-centred, non-judgmental approach and to accept and support
individual diversity, following the social model of disability.

To have a thorough understanding of boundaries and limitations of the Study
Assistant Role and recognise when there is a need to refer to other services.

In accordance with the action plan and within Health and Safety Procedures to meet
with the student to provide individual support on an agreed basis for instance:
o Carrying out tasks under the student’s direction and within the parameters of the
role in a range of teaching and learning situations, including laboratory practicals,
field trips, library, and studio.
o Supporting the student to develop independence in moving around the campus
and between sites and during other study related activities.
o Encouraging the student to identify workable solutions to queries and problems,
including managing day-to-day life as a student.
o Signposting the student, where necessary, to the most appropriate sources of
support and information.
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Person Specification
Essential

The understanding of and commitment to a model of student support that promotes
the independence and resilience of our students.

The ability to understand and adhere to service systems, procedures and quality
standards as defined through the line management of the service.

The ability to work co-operatively as part of a practice sharing team within (the
Disability Service) and across Student Services as a whole

Experience of studying at HE level.

Understanding of barriers faced by disabled people and those with long-standing
health conditions.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Excellent organisational and planning skills.

Flexible and resourceful approach to problem-solving.

Ability to work as an active member of a professional team, to carry through agreed
responsibilities independently while always referring onwards where situation
demands.

Ability to maintain confidentiality within the professional role.

Awareness of boundary issues which may arise during work in this context.

Ability to remain calm in challenging situations and follow agreed procedures.

Punctual and reliable, with availability during university term-time.

Working knowledge and experience of appropriate software and IT systems with a
willingness to learn and apply new technologies.

A broad understanding of the wider student experience and of other support, service
and academic roles and functions within HE

Ability to work as a reflective practitioner and to make constructive use of own
experience and supervisory feedback to inform CPD.

Possess a satisfactory DBS disclosure (Successful candidates will be asked to
complete a DBS application form).
Desirable

Ability to communicate fluently in Welsh.

Experience of working with disabled people in one or more areas.

Knowledge of the University campus, facilities and services.

Physical ability to push wheelchair users when required and/or carry books or other
items of equipment.
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