University of Essex
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title and Grade:
Student Support Worker – Practical Support Assistant
Hours:
Grade 3
Fixed term – Mid September – September following
year
As necessary (casual as and when contract).
Department/Section:
Student Support, Academic Section
Responsible to:
Deputy Director of Student Support (Disability)
Reports on a day to day basis to:
Purpose of job:
Disability Support Adviser
To act as a member of a team of individuals
enhancing opportunities for disabled students to
access all aspects of their education.
Contract:
We are seeking students who will be registered during the academic year (postgraduates, 2nd, 3rd and
4th year undergraduates) to join a busy team providing support to students with disabilities, mental
health difficulties and specific learning difficulties.
This is a part-time position and the aim is to provide assistance to students who may experience
difficulties with the non-academic aspects of being at University. The duties will be variable and
based on the requirements of the student being assisted.
Duties may include: email communication with a student prior to arrival, assisting the student
(intensively) during Welcome Week and the start of term, acting as a social facilitator and assisting
with day to day living activities and general orientation, providing one to one practical assistance to a
student with a visual impairment helping them navigate their way around the campus.
It may on occasion include assisting the student in the library or other study locations, reading, note
taking or scribing.
We would particularly welcome applications from students with personal experience of a
disability or long-term medical condition. This appointment could be held in conjunction with
other Student Support Worker positions during the academic year. Applicants must have a
commitment to customer service, equal opportunities and to working within the social model of
disability.
The appointment will be from mid-September until the following September. Successful applicants
will need to be available prior to the start of term in order to provide initial contact with student(s) and
attend any relevant training. The hours of work are negotiated to accommodate the needs of
students (this will include evening and weekend hours).
Please note that this position requires you to attend a training course provided by Student Support.
Student Support
Student Support provides a range of specialist advice and information services for students on
matters ranging from debt management to disability. A number of Student Support Workers (approx.
40) are appointed as part of the Disability Service within Student Support to provide direct support to
disabled students. Further information about the services offered can be found on the Student
Support Website.
Duties of the Post
The duties of the position can vary depending on the requirements of individual students however
typical duties are:

To assist a student to make the transition from school/college to University, including contact
prior to arrival to provide support and information.

To welcome the student to the University and assist with settling in to campus life including
assisting with Registration, campus orientation, Welcome Week events and social events.

To assist with the non-academic aspects of University life including assistance with domestic
task e.g. shopping, cooking, cleaning if appropriate.

To assist with social interaction, including assistance in identifying events to attend,
encouraging participation and accompanying the student especially during Welcome Week.

To assist with identifying clubs and societies of interest to the student and assist with meeting
other members.

To provide practical support, advice and information about lectures and classes at the
beginning of the term, including help drawing together timetables, getting to and from classes
and attend initial lectures/classes with student if necessary.

Advising the student on where to find information e.g. on the University webpages and ORB
(Online Resource Bank), Assisting the student to browse in the Library by obtaining materials
as necessary.

To provide one to one orientation assistance to a student with a visual impairment helping
them navigate their way around the campus.

May be required to act as a notetaker/scribe for students. Please note: if you are required to
work in this capacity you will be paid at the notetaker/scribe rate of pay.

To agree working practices with the student(s) with regard to duties and hours.

To work closely with members of the Disability Service and other University staff.
Other

To undertake training to understand the needs of the student and the academic or prescribed
standards being assessed within the practical/s.

To complete compulsory training including but not limited to: Health & Safety, Equality &
Diversity and Fire Safety.

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 – Practical
Support Assistant
Experience/Knowledge
Essential


Experience of working and/or studying within the
higher education sector
Experience of working with people with disabilities
preferably in an educational context
Desirable
x
x
Skills/Abilities
Essential








Flexibility of attitude and commitment to Equal
Opportunities and working within the Social Model of
Disability
Excellent knowledge of the University of Essex, its
campus and procedures
The ability to communicate effectively and foster a
professional working relationship with staff,
student(s) and others as appropriate
A high standard of written and spoken English
Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality and
how this is relevant to the role
Demonstrate flexibility over hours and availability
Understanding of the need for university students to
maintain independence and participate fully in the
social and academic life of the University
A friendly, outgoing and confident manner
Desirable
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Working Arrangements:
Appointment to these posts are for the academic year (starting from mid September) and hours of
work are negotiated to accommodate the needs of students.
Further information relating to working at University of Essex can be found here workingatessex.