University of Essex
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title and Grade:
Student Support Worker – Examination Support
Worker
Contract:
Hours:
Grade 7
Fixed term – January – September
As necessary (casual as and when contract).
Department/Section:
Responsible to:
Examination Office, Academic Section
Examinations Officer, Academic Section
Reports on a day to day basis to:
Purpose of job:
Examinations Officer
To provide an accurate and legible record of the
dictated answers by students with disabilities to
examination questions.
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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.
Scribes provide an accurate and legible handwritten record from the personal dictation of
the student being assisted. Scribes may be asked to draw diagrams and read back
material to the student on a one to one basis. Excellent literacy skills and a high
standard of accuracy in terms of spelling and grammar are essential as well as the ability
to write accurately at speed. The Scribe should also have an understanding of the subject
area(s) they will be scribing for.
Applicants must have a commitment to customer service, equal opportunities and to
working within the social model of disability.
Please note that this position requires you to attend a training course provided by Student
Support.
The Exams Office
The Examinations Office is responsible for the co-ordination and management of the
University's examination requirements. Further information about the services offered by
The Exams Office can be found on:
http://www2.essex.ac.uk/academic/offices/exams/index.htm
Duties of the Post
The duties of the position can vary depending on the requirements of individual students
however typical duties are:
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To produce an accurate and professional looking written record of the students
dictation on the examination script.
To ensure the exam script is written in a clear, neat and legible manner for the
examiner to read and is a verbatim transcription of the student’s response to the
examination questions.
To act as invigilator and be responsible for ensuring examination regulations are
adhered to, to include reporting incidents such as noise disturbance or cheating.
To liaise directly with individual students prior to examinations and partake in
practice sessions at the students request.
To read the examination questions including explaining instructions if given in a
graphic format as well as reading student’s responses both while ‘in progress’ and
after completion (at the students request).
To be reliable, punctual and respect professional boundaries at all times.
To be responsible for the collection of papers and examination scripts prior to the
start of an examination and delivering papers to the Examination Office after the
examination.
To understand and be flexible to the needs of students with disabilities in a higher
education environment and the boundaries that need to be observed.
To work closely with members of the Disability Service and the Exams Office.
Other
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To undertake training to understand the needs of the student and the academic or
prescribed standards being assessed within the practical/s.
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To complete compulsory training including but not limited to: Health & Safety,
Equality & Diversity and Fire Safety.
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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 – Examination
Support Worker
Experience/Knowledge
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A degree or equivalent level qualification
Experience of working and/or studying within the
higher education sector
Experience of working with people with disabilities
preferably in an educational context
Essential
x
Desirable
x
x
Skills/Abilities
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Flexibility of availability during the stated exam period.
High standard of accuracy and excellent spelling and
grammar.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and
written.
Ability to write accurately and legibly at speed.
The ability to demonstrate a good understanding of
the appropriate subject area.
Flexibility of attitude and willingness to understand the
requirements of students with disabilities.
The ability to meet deadlines.
Good interpersonal skills and a calm friendly manner.
The ability to communicate effectively and foster good
relationships with staff, students and others as
appropriate.
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.
Excellent keyboard skills and a good typing speed.
Essential
x
x
Desirable
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Working Arrangements:
Appointment to these posts are from January until September during the University terms
and hours of work are negotiated to accommodate the needs of students, this period
covers early and re-sit exams
Further information relating to working at University of Essex can be found here
workingatessex.