Job Description
Job Title:
Autistic Spectrum and Asperger’s Syndrome
Support Facilitator (AS Support Facilitator) (0.4 FTE, to be
worked Thursday/Friday)
Section:
Disability Advisory Service
Department/Division:
Education Office
Job Family/Level:
Professional, Technical and Operational Services, Level 3b
Responsible to:
Head of Imperial College Disability Advisory Service ,
Director of Student Support
Responsible for:
No direct reports
Key Working Relationships:
(Internal)
Director of Student Support, Head of the Disability Advisory
Service, Disability Advisory Service team, Departmental
Disability Officers, Hall Wardens,
College Tutors, Senior Tutors, departmental academic and
administrative staff, Registry, Imperial College Health Centre,
Student Counselling Service, Student Accommodation Centre,
English Language Support Unit Student Union Advice Centre,
Imperial College Student Union Sabbatical Campus Services,
Outreach service.
Key Working Relationships:
(External)
Student funding bodies with regards to Disabled Students
Allowance, DSA Needs Assessors, Social Services, the
National Autistic Society, other external professionals (e.g.
educational psychologists, medical practitioners), National
Association of Disability Practitioners, University of London
Disability Officers Group, external support providers.
Campus Location:
Based at South Kensington Campus, but may be required to
visit other Imperial College campuses (e.g. Hammersmith
Hospital or Silwood Park) or halls of residence.
Length of Appointment:
Permanent
Summary of post
As part of the Disability Advisory Service team, the Autistic Spectrum and Asperger’s
Syndrome Support Facilitator (AS Support Facilitator) will be responsible to the Head of the
Disability Advisory Service, and will work closely with the Study Mentor (Disabilities). The AS
Support Facilitator will take a lead in facilitating support for students with Asperger’s
Syndrome (ASD). This will include designing and facilitating specific support activities for
students with Asperger’s Syndrome, and thereby enhancing their student experience.
The AS Support Facilitator will contribute to a student-centred specialist advice and
guidance service by providing practical support to students with Asperger’s Syndrome, and
helping them in developing the appropriate skills for studying in Higher Education. The post
holder will work with a caseload portfolio to develop students’ coping strategies for the
demands of both academic study and personal life appropriate to their level of study at
Imperial College. This will involve working with individuals and small groups, negotiating with
and motivating students to develop their organisational and interpersonal skills. The role will
also include assisting students in the management of their workload, and helping them to
maintain focus on their academic progress and development, whilst maintaining clear
boundaries.
The post holder will be based within the Disability Advisory Service at the South Kensington
campus, but may be required to meet with students at any of our Imperial College campuses
or halls of residence.
Key Responsibilities
For the purposes of these key responsibilities, 'students' refers to students with Asperger's
Syndrome (ASD).
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Enhance the student experience for students.
Develop transition programs for students prior to commencing their studies at
Imperial College.
Be proactive in facilitating support within academic departments prior to enrolment, in
order to ensure a smooth transition for new students.
Work with campus services to ensure appropriate accommodation for new and
continuing students.
Maintain a case work portfolio, ensuring the provision of continuing support for
individual students.
Maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries at all times.
Assist individual students in developing their organisational skills, managing their
workload, and maintaining the necessary focus on academic progress.
Support students to participate in social activities.
Use motivational skills to help individual students overcome the stresses associated
with study in higher education.
Assist individual students in finding appropriate solutions for queries and problems.
Assist individual students in developing skills and strategies to cope with the
demands of student life.
Motivate and encourage students to develop independent learning, study, and living
skills.
Where appropriate, gradually decrease the level of support provided to individual
students, in order to assist them in moving towards independent study.
Keep accurate records and case notes of contact and work undertaken with
individual students on the Disability Advisory Service database.
Fully engage with the departmental administrative processes.
Undertake regular reviews of provision and implement revisions where appropriate.
Participate in case conferences with academic departments to ensure that all
students are able to access their studies effectively.
Liaise with relevant staff with disability-related responsibilities across the College, to
ensure that students with Asperger’s Syndrome can access their studies, and that
reasonable adjustments required under the Equality Act 2010 can be put in place.
This will include advising on priorities for the provision of services for these students.
Deal with unexpected and emergency situations diplomatically, efficiently, effectively
and positively.
Support the Head of the Disability Advisory Service in promoting and enhancing the
College’s reputation by providing high quality support to individual students, their
departments, and support agencies to ensure that all students can access their
studies fully.
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Together with the Head of the Disability Advisory Service, represent the College at
events arranged by the National Association of Disability Practitioners or other
disability related organisations, and maintain good contact with other relevant bodies.
Undertake regular training for continuing professional development, and keep
abreast of any changes in legislation and/or good practice that might impact upon the
College or disabled students.
Contribute to the development review and implementation of the College’s disability
policies and procedures as directed by the Head of the Disability Advisory Service.
Undertake other duties, projects, or special tasks assigned by the Head of the
Disability Advisory Service as required.
The post holder is expected to observe and comply with all College policies and regulations,
for example Health & Safety, Financial Regulations, Data protection. Imperial College is
committed to equality of opportunity, equal treatment and to eliminating discrimination. All
employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out in the Equal Opportunities in
Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy and Disability Policy and all other
relevant guidance and good practice frameworks.
Since job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the post holder may be required to undertake
other duties that are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Person Specification
Applicants are required to demonstrate that they possess the following attributes.
Education and Qualifications
 Educated to degree level or equivalent.
The following would be advantageous:
 Teaching Qualification
 First level Counselling qualification
 Qualification in Life Coaching or Mentoring
Knowledge
 Proven track record of giving advice, guidance, and facilitating support for people on
the autistic spectrum, and preferably in a higher education setting.
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Evidence of developing study/life related skills in others.
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A good understanding of the principles of counselling.
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Evidence of relevant continuing professional development.
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Awareness of the potential impact of the autistic spectrum on academic study.
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Knowledge of the legal framework within which disability support is delivered,
preferably within an educational environment.
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Expert knowledge of the range of ‘reasonable adjustments’ in relation to an inclusive
learning environment.
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Experience of working with clients from a diverse range of cultural and socioeconomic groups.
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Knowledge of the Disabled Students' Allowance.
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Be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the Equality Act 2010.
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Evidence of working and liaising effectively with senior staff and external bodies.
Competencies, Skills and Abilities
 Proven competence in interacting effectively with both Service users and staff at all
levels across the College, recognising the demands of an academic environment,
and the specific challenges that these present.
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Proven ability to use own initiative and work independently.
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Evidence of working and liaising effectively with senior staff and external bodies
relevant to disability issues.
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Be able to demonstrate a commitment to working collaboratively as part of a team.
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Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office, and experience of databases.
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Experience of problem identification / resolution.
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The ability to prioritise and plan activities, and work accurately under pressure to
meet deadlines.
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Proven ability to keep thorough and accurate client case notes, and ensure
compliance with confidentiality policies, professional standards, and Data Protection
legislation.
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An understanding of the importance of equality of opportunity within an advice
service environment.
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The ability to deal sensitively, diplomatically, and maintain boundaries within a
confidential setting.
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The ability to remain calm, adaptable, and professional within a busy environment
when dealing with challenging clients in difficult situations.
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Willingness to travel to different campuses.
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A commitment to continuing professional development.
Any other requirements
As this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, a satisfactory standard
Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required for the successful candidate. Further
information
about
the
DBS
disclosure
process
can
be
found
at
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/dbs/ or by telephoning 0870 90 90
811. You may also wish to view the College’s policy statements on the Recruitment and
Employment of Ex-Offenders and the Secure Storage, Use, Retention & Disposal of
Disclosures and Disclosure Information