Specialist Mentor
Disability Service, Student Services
Job Description
Responsible to:
Support Worker Scheme Co-ordinator/Advisers,
Disability Service, Student Services
Payrolled by:
Randstad Student & Worker Support
Location:
Bangor University
Grade/Scale
Band 4 - £21.50 per hour (includes payment in respect of specific
administrative duties, according to the Code of Practice).
Source of funding:
Disabled Students’ Allowance
Purpose of the Job
To meet with the student to provide individual specialist support on an agreed basis. To
assist the student in working towards increased independence in learning using the action
plan drawn up by the Advisers. To support the student to identify the disability related
barriers to learning and develop their strategies to address these.
Main Duties and Responsibilities

To adhere to Bangor University’s Code of Practice for Support Workers. See:
http://www.bangor.ac.uk/studentservices/disability/index.php.en

To review issues identified in the action plan and feed back to the Adviser.

To alert the Service if there are any concerns about the student.

To communicate effectively with the Support Worker Scheme Co-ordinator: providing
information promptly; submitting monthly feedback reports and claims for payment
correctly and on time; to keep the service informed of availability for work.

To maintain confidentiality within the professional role at all times, sharing information
with the Adviser/Co-ordinator.

To attend Mentor Forum meetings, undertake training and Continuing Professional
Development and when unable to do so to ensure familiarity with the topics and
information covered.

To work in line with a model of support that promotes the independence and resilience
of our students in order to best prepare them for their future study or career goals.

Engage with the supervision of practice as led by Advisers, sharing practice with
colleagues and adhering to the requirement of the service’s systems, procedures and
quality standards (including the Matrix Quality Standard) as defined through the line
management of the service.

Work collaboratively with colleagues as part of a multi-disciplinary team within
Disability Services and across Student Services, ensuring effective cross-referrals and
promoting a holistic approach to student support.

To reflect on own progress in meeting the requirements of the role.

To take care of their own wellbeing, to promote the health and safety of themselves
and others- this includes reviewing and monitoring the workload to offer a consistent
level of support, referring to the Code of Practice.

To use a learner-centred, non-judgmental approach and to accept and support
individual diversity, following the social model of disability.

To have a thorough understanding of boundaries and limitations of the Specialist
Mentor Role and recognise when there is a need to refer to other services.

To participate in the initial student-mentor agreement and introduction.

To help the student to develop strategies to deal with a range of issues for instance:
o Transition to a new environment and new working patterns.
o Time management and prioritising workload.
o Identifying and accessing appropriate support/resources to help manage anxiety
levels.
o Preparing for examinations and other assessments, and working towards
increased independence in learning.
o Creating a suitable work-life balance.

To assist the student to liaise with academic and other staff, in consultation and under
the direction of the relevant Adviser.
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Person Specification
Essential

The understanding of and commitment to a model of student support that promotes
the independence and resilience of our students.

The ability to understand and adhere to service systems, procedures and quality
standards as defined through the line management of the service.

The ability to work co-operatively as part of a practice sharing team within (the
Disability Service) and across Student Services as a whole.

Educated to UK degree level, or equivalent, with established competencies in effective
study management at this level.

Specialist training or equivalent experience in one or more disability areas.

Thorough understanding of barriers faced by disabled people and those with longstanding health conditions.

Experience of working with disabled people in one or more areas.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Excellent organisational and planning skills.

Flexible and resourceful approach to problem-solving

Ability to work as an active member of a professional team, to carry through agreed
responsibilities independently while always referring onwards where situation
demands.

Ability to maintain confidentiality within the professional role.

Awareness of boundary issues which may arise during work in this context.

Ability to remain calm in challenging situations and follow agreed procedures.

Punctual and reliable, with availability during university term-time.

Ability to produce clear and concise documents in accordance with the requirements
of the role.

Working knowledge and experience of appropriate software and IT systems with a
willingness to learn and apply new technologies.

An in-depth understanding of the wider student experience and of other support,
service and academic roles and functions within HE.

Ability to work as a reflective practitioner and to make constructive use of own
experience and supervisory feedback to inform CPD.

Possess a satisfactory DBS disclosure (Successful candidates will be asked to
complete a DBS application form).
Desirable

Ability to communicate fluently in Welsh.

Recognised qualification in a particular disability area.
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