University of Essex
Job Description
Job Title and Grade:
Contract:
Dyslexia and Study Strategies Tutor
(Specialist one to one Study Skills Support)
Grade 7
Fixed term to June
Hours:
tbc
Salary:
See salary scales
Department/Section:
Student Support, Academic Section
Responsible to:
Deputy Director of Student Support (Disability)
Reports on a day to day basis to:
Dyslexia and Study Strategies Co-ordinating Tutor
Purpose of job:
To provide individual advice and tuition for students
and advice to colleagues on issues relating to the
needs of students with specific learning difficulties
(such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome and
Dyscalcula) in order to facilitate integration of students
from this particular group into the University.
Context
This post is based in the Student Support team in the Student Services Hub.
The Student Services Hub provides a friendly, welcoming service for student queries, which is backed
up by specialist advice and services on a wide range of areas from accommodation and funding, to
academic issues and wellbeing. The Student Services Hub’s commitment to students is as follows:
When you use the Student Services Hub you can expect to:

Be helped by friendly and professional staff who are knowledgeable and approachable

Have access to a range of effective and accessible services to assist you through your
student life

Be given clear, reliable and helpful information, advice and guidance

Be listened to and have your privacy respected
For colleagues who work in the Hub this means a commitment to high standards of professionalism
and customer service; taking an integrated approach to supporting students with good teamwork and
communication; and being proactive in contributing to the success of the service and its continued
improvement.
Duties of the Post:
This post will work as part of a team of Disability Advisers and Study Strategies Tutors to deliver a
pro-active and professional disability service. This is primarily by the administration and co-ordination
of services to students. In addition the post will offer information, advice and guidance to students.
Contact and advice
1. To meet students to discuss their needs and a range of approaches to facilitate all areas of study
and learning.
2. To advise students on the provision available at the University.
Study Strategy sessions
3. To work with the student to develop individual learning programmes and teaching materials,
based on assessment of student’s current strengths and needs.
4. To deliver one to one or group specialist dyslexia tuition, including drop-in sessions, to assist the
students with study planning, organisational and research skills and examination preparation
strategies as appropriate to facilitate independent learning.
5. To review and monitor the progress and achievement of the student including maintaining
accurate data on the support that has been provided and records for recharging LEAs.
6. To provide one to one or group work tutorials on assistive technologies available to support
students with dyslexia (such as Text-Help, Inspiration and Speech Recognition software).
7. To make recommendations to the Board of Examiners on individual arrangements required for
students to access examinations.
Other
8. 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
9. 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.
10. To advise colleagues in partnership with the Disability Team on the most effective ways to
support students with specific learning difficulties.
11. To contribute to the review of relevant policies, practices and procedures relating to students with
specific learning difficulties.
12. To assist the Disability Team in evaluating the dyslexia service offered by the University of Essex.
13. To attend Student Services Hub staff meetings and events, and contribute to team projects,
including identifying ways to improve services to students.
14. Other duties 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.
Final Version – 04-02-2014
University of Essex
PERSON SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE: Dyslexia and Study Strategies Tutor (part-time)
POST REF:
Qualifications /Training
Degree or equivalent qualification and/or experience
Essential
x
Teaching qualification
Desirable
x
Experience/Knowledge
At least 2 years relevant work experience of teaching/training
Experience of delivering study strategies tutorials to students with
Specific Learning difficulties (SpLD)
Knowledge of appropriate learning strategies to assist students with
SpLD
Experience of teaching FE/HE students with dyslexia or similar SpLD
Essential
x
Desirable
x
x
Experience of the development and delivery of training
x
Familiarity with assistive software for students with SpLD
x
Skills/Abilities
Essential
Ability to draw up an individual learning plan based on a student’s
needs
Ability to generate teaching materials for individual students
Commitment to equal opportunities, confidentiality and customerfocussed services and an understanding of their relevance to Student
Support services
Strong administrative skills (including computer literacy) and the ability
to set up and manage effective systems taking account of the need to
deliver quality, customer-focussed skills
Excellent interpersonal skills as well as the ability to write clearly and
concisely for various audiences and to produce learning materials
Ability to interpret and implement recommendations in psychological
assessments
Familiarity with current and developing legislation as it relates to
specific learning difficulties
Ability to deal effectively with multiple priorities and to manage time and
prioritise effectively
Desirable
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Other
Can fulfil the requirements of a CRB disclosure check
Essential
X
Desirable