AbilityNet Job Description
Job Title: DSA Assessor
Reporting to: DSA and Quality Assurance Manager
Department: DSA Services
Type of Contract: FT / Permanent
HR Approval / Sign Off: Yes
Location: Brighton (BN1)
Hours Per Week: 35 (9am to 5pm)
Days Per Week: 5
Job Purpose
The main purpose of this role is to deliver DSA Needs assessments and produce the required
Needs Assessment Report in accordance with BIS guidance, the SLC model and the DSA
Quality Assurance Framework and all relevant Key Performance Indicators, and responding
to any queries received from the relevant Funding Body or Student.
It is expected that a minimum of 6 assessments are delivered per week with the
accompanying reports.
This role will also aid the DSA Administration Team with delivering further DSA
administration work.
Accountabilities
Assess the needs of students eligible for DSA funding via a Needs Assessment which is
compliant and within the standards of the Quality Assurance Framework (QAG).
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This includes:
Preparing in advance for the DSA assessment interview: researching course details;
disability/medical evidence and appropriate assistive technology
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Undertaking assessments of need for students in receipt of the DSA allowances to
identify and recommend appropriate assistive technology, support services and
adjustments to learning and teaching
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Demonstrating a range of suitable assistive technology and specialist software
during the needs assessment
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Liaising with suppliers, course tutors, university disability officers and other external
organisations to source relevant equipment, support and competitive quotes in
accordance with funding body requirements
Producing confidential Needs Assessment Reports with the relevant
recommendations, justifications and quotes within the Key Performance Indicators
(KPIs)
Responding promptly to any queries from Funding Bodies and Students on any
reports, recommendations and quotes produced
Being based at the Accredited Centre in Brighton to provide support and handle any
queries from other colleagues and assessors
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Ensuring equipment stock is maintained and accounted for; the monitoring of all
relevant accessible facilities to ensure they are in working order (disabled toilets,
panic buttons); ensuring all relevant polices and information are displayed or
accessible to all assessors
Providing training as and when required and conducting observations of other
assessors (both new and existing) and submit the relevant observations forms to the
DSA Team Leader
Participating, producing required work and giving input for any Continuous
Personnel Development (CPD) programmes/sessions, meetings with suppliers and
QAG audits
Keeping up-to-date with all relevant legislation, policies and updates relating to
disabilities, government funding (DSA), equipment and software, higher education
and support strategies
Handling and resolving any queries that arise from past work delivered by previous
sub-contractors
To undertake any other task consistent with the scope of the post, as requested by
the DSA and Quality Assurance Manager
Candidate Knowledge
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Demonstrable working experience of assistive technologies and Window’s
accessibility features, including an awareness of specialist software and adaptive
technologies
Ability to learn to use new hardware and software products
An up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and its implications, particularly in
respect of the education sector
Knowledge of a range of support and study skills strategies to support students
An up-to date knowledge of funding available to students with disabilities/learning
difficulties/study skills needs (including the DSA)
Candidate Skills
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Ability to manage own workload and priorities as required; displaying excellent
organizational and time management skills
Excellent communication skills with people across all life and work settings,
regardless of age, ability or disability
Excellent communication both face to face and by phone
Excellent written skills
Good analytical and problem solving capability
Excellent interpersonal skills
Need to demonstrate the ability to explain technical details to suit the needs of the
client
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Person Specification
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A proven track of delivering assessments for adults and children
A proven track record of delivering access technology training
A proven track record in a similar assessment / consultant role is desirable
Self-motivated individual with interest in working with assistive technology
Confident / Presentable individual who can represent AbilityNet in a positive
manner to our clients
Able to display calmness, patience and sensitivity under pressure
Willingness to extend themselves beyond their normal duties when required to take
on additional practical tasks or responsibilities
Willingness to embrace changes in technologies and working practices
This job description is not exhaustive. It merely acts as a guide and may be amended to meet the
changing requirements of AbilityNet at any time after discussion with the post holder.
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