Job Title and Grade:
University of Essex
JOB DESCRIPTION
Student Support Worker – Manual Notetaker
Contract:
Hours:
Salary:
Department/Section:
Responsible to:
Reports on a day to day basis to:
Purpose of job:
Grade 3
Fixed term – Mid September - June
As necessary (casual as and when contract).
A basic hourly rate is paid, however, payment is 1.5 hours for each hour with a student to incorporate session planning and record keeping.
Student Support, Academic Section
Deputy Director of Student Support (Disability)
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.
Notetakers take notes in lectures and classes and present notes in a suitable format for the student(s) to access effectively.
Applicants must have a commitment to customer service, equal opportunities and to working within the social model of disability. Clear handwriting, good spelling and grammar are essential.
This position requires you to attend a training course provided by Student Support.
Appointment to these posts are from Mid-September 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 take neat, legible and comprehensive academic notes for the student in lectures and classes;

To review notes at the end of the lecture or class and ensure they are in a suitable format for the student to access effectively;

To clarify information for students when unfamiliar language and vocabulary are presented and, when necessary, to take notes dictated by students;

To deliver the notes to the Student Support Office either on the day they are taken (or the next day at the latest) and record delivery on the log sheet provided. If notes are to be typed up or photocopied, these must be done in a reasonable timescale (usually within 48 hours) and certainly before the next lecture or class; where notes are transcribed and sent electronically a duplicate email should also be sent to Student Support.

To photocopy notes taken (if necessary);

To type up notes taken (dependant on funding for the position by agreement with Student
Support only);
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To work closely with the 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 – Manual
Notetaker
Experience/Knowledge
Essential Desirable

A degree or equivalent level qualification

A recognised notetaker qualification or equivalent

Experience of working within the higher education sector

Experience of working with people with disabilities preferably in an educational context
Skills/Abilities x x x x
Essential Desirable

Clear handwriting, effective note taking skills and excellent spelling and grammar

The ability to communicate effectively and foster good relationships with staff, students and others as appropriate

Flexibility of attitude and willingness to understand the requirements of disabled students

The ability to demonstrate a good understanding of the appropriate subject area

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; x x x x x x

The ability to demonstrate excellent notetaker skills appropriate to higher education level study

The ability to demonstrate good listening skills

The ability and skills to adapt content and layout to suit the student’s needs

Commitment to develop own skills within this field, which will include attendance on training courses x x x x
Working Arrangements:
H ours of work to be agreed in order to meet the requirements of the students’ teaching timetable.
Further information relating to working at University of Essex can be found here workingatessex .