University of Essex
Job Description
Job Title and Grade:
Contract:
Hours:
Salary:
Specialist Mentor (ASD)
(Grade 7)
Temporary/Sessional contract
Zero hours contract – work can be between 1 – 10 hours
per week during term time.
Department/Section:
Payment is 1.5 hours for each hour with a student to
incorporate session planning and record keeping.
Student Support, Academic Section
Responsible to:
Director of Student Support
Reports on a day to day basis to:
Senior Disability Adviser/Dyslexia and Study Strategies
Co-ordinating Tutor
To provide one-to-one practical support to
undergraduates and postgraduates with a disability in
order to enable them access their course, succeed at
their studies and engage as fully as possible with student
life.
Purpose of job:
Duties of the Post:
The Mentor will work closely with members of the disability team to provide an efficient and
professional service to students, particularly students with Asperger's Syndrome and Specific
Learning Difficulties. The post holder will act as mentor for a number of students providing on
going advice and support on a regular basis. The delivery of mentor sessions funds this post. As
a result, the primary duty of this post is to deliver mentor sessions.
The successful candidate will be paid by each hour work (an additional half an hour can be paid
for report writing and follow up work). Exact hours to be decided although it is expected that
mentors will be able to work flexibly and be able to undertake occasional work at evenings and
weekends, if necessary. Mentors may also be required to accompany students to locations both
on and off campus.
This role can be mainly based at the Colchester, Loughton or Southend campus.
The duties of the post include:
Mentoring
1. Develop professional and supportive working relationships with individual students with
support needs (eg specific learning difficulties, Asperger’s Syndrome).
2. Provide regular, one-to-one support sessions to students, often over the whole academic
year offering practical support by way of listening and problem-solving. Work in a way
consistent with the principle of empowerment.
3. Support students to set targets and define focus for sessions and review regularly.
4. Keep written records of sessions and follow-up on non-attendance.
5. Assist students with independent learning by advising on study materials, assisting with the
development of academic skills, e.g. time management and facilitating understanding and
interpretation of course requirements.
Casework and Related Duties:
6. To assess students who self-refer or are referred by others and refer on to the appropriate
sources of support both internal and external e.g. Student Support, the GP. This can involve
visiting students in their accommodation.
7. To provide a point of contact for students, staff and family concerned about a student and
provide advice to them as appropriate (as outlined in Student Support’s confidentiality and
third party policies http://www2.essex.ac.uk/stdsup/policies/confidentiality_policy.shtm)
8. Maintaining accurate records of student enquiries and any follow-up work undertaken in the
prescribed form.
9. Carrying out follow up casework as necessary
10. On occasion to act as duty adviser, taking enquires and providing information and initial
advice through individual interviews with students and applicants visiting the office or using
the drop in sessions and responding to enquiries received by e-mail or telephone
11. To deliver support to students at agreed locations and times (both within and outside the
Student Services Hub) to offer the best possible experience to students and make effective
use of space Preparation and follow up work may be carried out in different locations.
Other
12. Respond to complex or emerging issues by focusing on early intervention to minimise crisis
in consultation with the Senior Adviser
13. Work with the Senior Adviser and other mentors on developments to the service including
those in line with changes in legislation.
14. Delivery of student and staff development sessions and workshops as appropriate
15. Attendance and participation at meetings, open days and other events as required
16. Ensure confidentiality of students’ personal information in accordance with the Data
Protection Act and the Student Support Confidentiality Policy.
17. Engage in supervision and participate in any training deemed necessary for the post.
18. To attend Student Services Hub staff meetings and events, and contribute to team projects,
including identifying ways to improve services to students.
19. Undertake other reasonable duties, as required by the Senior Adviser, Director or Deputy
Director (Disability) and their nominees.
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.
Final Version – 04-02-2014
University of Essex
PERSON SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE: Mentor
POST REF:
Qualifications /Training
Essential


A good level of general education, qualified to A Level
standard, or equivalent.
Education to degree level or beyond
Desirable
x
x
Experience/Knowledge
Essential




At least two year’s experience of working one-to-one with
people with disabilities eg Aspergers Syndrome
x
An understanding of study at Higher Education level and the
issues which may affect students
x
Experience of record-keeping for example, recording advice
given and maintaining written and electronic case files
x
Experience of responding to people experiencing a mental
health crisis

Experience of working with students in Higher Education

Knowledge of the services available to students both internal
and external to the University

Desirable
x
x
x
Experience of advice work and managing a caseload
x
Skills/Abilities
Essential






Excellent interpersonal skills and an empathic and
enabling approach to working with students in a one-toone setting.
x
Excellent administrative skills, including good computer
literacy
X
Excellent time management and the ability to organise
own work, prioritise workload and use own initiative.
X
Presentation skills the ability to deliver information clearly
and concisely for various audiences.
A commitment to equal opportunities, confidentiality and
customer-focused services and an understanding of their
relevance to student support services
Ability to satisfy CRB checks
Desirable
x
X
X