SEND Specialist - Autism (HE Apprenticeships) (50%)

Job description

Join us in Creating an Inclusive Higher Education Experience

At UCW, we recognise that neurodiversity enriches our learning community. We are committed to creating an environment where neurodivergent students and those with a wide range of disabilities, learning differences and mental health conditions can thrive, achieve their ambitions and develop the confidence to succeed both academically and personally.

We are seeking a passionate and proactive individual to fulfil the role of SEND Specialist - Autism (HE Apprenticeships) We welcome applicants who share our strength-based, student-centred approach to disability success and accessibility, recognising that effective practice is not only about removing barriers, but also identifying opportunities, celebrating individual. Influenced by best practice in specialist autism support, we value practitioners who see learners as individuals, work collaboratively alongside them, and understand the importance of personalised, prompt and holistic support.

About the role

This rewarding role combines disability advice and advocacy, guidance on Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), specialist autism support, and promoting inclusive practice across the university. Working with the HE Disability and Inclusion Manager, you will engage neurodivergent and disabled students, including those with co-occurring specific learning differences or mental health difficulties from application through to graduation. You will provide tailored one-to-one support in areas including transitions to higher education, executive functioning, organisation and planning, managing change, communication and social interaction, sensory processing, self-advocacy and developing independent learning and self-management. You will also provide advice and guidance, undertake needs-led study planning, facilitate transition activities and develop practical resources to enable students to engage confidently and independently with university life.

A key aspect of the role will be designing and delivering engaging group workshops, developing accessible resources and digital content, and supporting students to identify strategies that build confidence, resilience, independence and academic engagement. You will work collaboratively with programme teams, including partner universities, academic and wellbeing teams and the wider directorate team to ensure that recommendations for success and accessibility translate efficiently into learners' day-to-day university experience. Through collaborative working you will help colleagues understand and respond effectively to disability-related barriers whilst contributing to UCW's inclusion intentions around disability, inclusive practice, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), accessible curriculums and community and successful student transitions.

UCW warmly welcomes applications from diverse groups, including those with lived experience of neurodivergence or disability. We are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process and a supportive working environment where colleagues can bring their authentic selves to the team and contribute to our culture, valuing difference, belonginess and equitable opportunities for all.

Together, we are building a university where inclusion in proactive, strengths and courage are recognised, and all students can flourish.

This is a part-time role, working 18.5 hours per week.

Interviews for this role will take place on-site, at one of our college campuses in Weston-super-Mare.

Required skills and qualifications

• A Degree or equivalent qualification in an appropriate area.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. National Autistic Society, British Dyslexia Association, PATOSS, ADSHE, Dyslexia Guild, SASC, NADP, BACP, BPS).
• Experience of developing and implementing individualised support programmes successfully.

For full details about the role and its responsibilities, please view the job description and person specification attached above.

Weston College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We value equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. As a Disability Confident employer, we will support applicants who require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] or 01934 411441.

Please note: this vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received, so we encourage early applications.