University of Essex
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title and Grade:
Student Support Worker – Reader
Contract:
Hours:
Grade 3
Fixed term – October - June
As necessary (casual as and when contract).
Department/Section:
Student Support, Academic Section
Responsible to:
Deputy Director of Student Support (Disability)
Reports on a day to day basis to:
Purpose of job:
Disability Support Adviser
To act as a member of a team of individuals
enhancing opportunities for disabled students to
access all aspects of their education.
We are seeking a number of enthusiastic and committed part-time workers to join a busy team
providing support to students with disabilities, mental health difficulties and specific learning
difficulties.
Readers record various academic materials on to a recording devise which can be read aloud by the
student(s) when required.
Applicants must have a commitment to customer service, equal opportunities and to working within
the social model of disability. You will need to have a high standard of English and a clear reading
voice with the ability to read fluently and accurately.
Appointment to these posts are from October until end of June during the University terms and hours
of work are negotiated to accommodate the needs of students
Student Support
Student Support provides a range of specialist advice and information services for students on
matters ranging from debt management to disability. A number of Student Support Workers (approx.
40) are appointed as part of the Disability Service within Student Support to provide direct support to
disabled students. Further information about the services offered can be found on the Student
Support Website.
Duties of the post
The duties of the position can vary depending on the requirements of individual students however
typical duties are:

To liaise with the individual student over materials to be read;

To read materials in a clear, distinct voice using tone and pace to ensure clarity of ease of
listening;

To agree where the materials are collected from ie. library or student, if appropriate;

To agree with student if materials are to be read aloud directly to the student or read onto
audiotape or other recording device;

Liaise with student regarding deadline;

To clarify information for students when unfamiliar language and vocabulary are presented;

To work closely with members of the Disability Service and other University staff.
Other

To undertake training to understand the needs of the student and the academic or prescribed
standards being assessed within the practical/s.

To complete compulsory training including but not limited to: Health & Safety, Equality &
Diversity and Fire Safety.

To undertake any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Director of Student
Support or his/her nominee.
These duties are a guide to the work that the post holder will initially be required to undertake. They
may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances and do not form part of the
contract of employment.
Terms of Appointment:
For a full description of the terms of appointment for this post please visit:
http://www.essex.ac.uk/personnel/CondServ/default.htm
University of Essex
PERSON SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE: Student Support Worker – Reader
Experience/Knowledge
Essential


Experience of working and/or studying within the
higher education sector
Experience of working with people with disabilities
preferably in an educational context
Desirable
x
x
Skills/Abilities









High standard of English
A clear reading voice and the ability to read aloud
fluently and accurately
The ability to demonstrate a good understanding of
the appropriate subject area
Familiarity with recording equipment (e.g
dictaphones and digital recorders)
Respect and maintain a high level of confidentiality
at all times
A commitment to customer service, equal
opportunities and to working within the social model
of disability
The ability to communicate effectively and foster
good relationships with staff, students and others as
appropriate
Willingness to work at a variety of locations
The ability to meet deadlines
Essential
x
Desirable
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Working Arrangements:
Hours of Work: For face to face reading: times to be negotiated between the student and reader to
accommodate the timetables of both. Reading onto the recording devise can be done at the Reader’s
convenience as long as deadlines are observed.
Further information relating to working at University of Essex can be found here workingatessex.