University of Essex
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title and Grade:
Student Support Worker – Library Support Assistant
Contract:
Hours:
Grade 3
Fixed term – October - June
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.
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.
Library Support Assistants’ duties will include obtaining materials from the Library,
photocopy material, download material from the internet and scan material.
Applicants must have a commitment to customer service, good working knowledge of the
library, experience and understanding of how to locate different library resources, e
resources and documents.
A commitment to equal opportunities and to working within the social model of disability.
Appointment to these posts are from October until end of June during the University terms
and hours of work are negotiated to accommodate the needs of students.
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.

To provide support, advice and information about drawing together timetables and
location of administrative offices.

To advise the student on University systems and procedures including ORB,
Moodle, Faser etc.

Obtaining materials from the Library and assisting the student to browse in the
Library as necessary.

Photocopying materials.

Download course material or other study materials, e.g. journals, library catalogue
records.

Scanning materials.

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 – Library Support
Assistant
Experience/Knowledge
Essential


Desirable
Experience of working and/or studying within the
higher education sector
Experience of working with people with disabilities
preferably in an educational context
X
X
Skills/Abilities
Essential










Flexibility of attitude and willingness to understand
the requirements of disabled students
X
Respect and maintain a high level of confidentiality
at all times
X
A commitment to customer service, equal
opportunities and to working within the social model
of disability
The ability to communicate effectively and foster
good relationships with staff, students and others as
appropriate
The ability to maintain a professional working
relationship with the student(s)
The ability to meet deadlines
Flexibility over hours
Understanding of the need for university students to
maintain independence and participate fully in the
social and academic life of the University
Knowledge and understanding of academic libraries
The ability to demonstrate good listening skills
Desirable
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Further information relating to working at University of Essex can be found here
workingatessex.