Accessibility and Wellbeing Adviser, Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service

Job description

Department

The Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS) at the University of Essex is dedicated to fostering a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. The department plays a key role in supporting students' mental health, emotional wellbeing, and overall welfare, working collaboratively across the University and with external agencies to ensure students receive timely, effective, and compassionate support. SWIS is committed to early intervention, prevention, and the promotion of a zero-tolerance approach to harassment, sexual violence, and hate crime.

Duties of the Role

The Accessibility & Wellbeing Adviser will manage a caseload of students with a range of disabilities or who are experiencing mental and emotional health difficulties, including complex and high-risk cases. They will provide tailored support through one-to-one appointments, crisis response, and referrals to specialist services. The role involves assessing risk, implementing reasonable adjustments, developing safety plans, and liaising with internal and external stakeholders to ensure coordinated care. The post holder will also contribute to service development, staff training, and initiatives that promote student wellbeing and resilience.

Skills and qualifications required

The successful candidate will have significant experience supporting individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges, including crisis intervention and risk assessment. They will demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, resilience under pressure, and a commitment to inclusive, student-focused practice. A good general education is essential, and a relevant professional qualification or degree is desirable. The ability to work collaboratively, manage complex caseloads, and contribute to service improvement is key.

At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.

To support this commitment we have our Global Forum , a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre , which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives.

Please see the attached job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please email [email protected]

*More information: Working at the University