Disability Adviser

The University At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here. Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Durham University The Role and Department Disability Support is the central specialist service dedicated to providing academic related support, advice and guidance for students with disabilities. The service also provides advice and guidance to staff to support them in meeting the University's duty to students with disabilities within the context of equality legislation and inclusive education. A busy team of Disability Advisers offer student consultation appointments on both a bookable and drop-in basis. This gives students the opportunity to confidentially ask about disability disclosure and support, to ask about the impact of their disability on study and to explore academic reasonable adjustments. Disability Advisers offer appointments both in-person and remotely via Teams, they participate in a regular Duty Adviser schedule dealing with urgent or 'drop-in' queries, and also attend support meetings as required with students, colleagues in colleges, departments and other University sections. Disability Advisers also offer advice and guidance to applicants, providing attendance at University Open Days. We are looking for a part-time Advisor to join this busy team. You will work alongside the current Advisory team, our Administrative Support Team and our Study Skills Tutor. The role will be line managed by the Head of Service. The successful applicant needs to positively reflect the work of the service and our commitment to providing an accessible experience for our students. The service has recently transitioned to a new student CRM system and Advisors are also taking on various responsibilities in developing aspects of processes and new initiatives as the Service moves forward. Please note that this role is based within Disability Support, but as a team, we are also part of the wider Student Experience Directorate. The Directorate also comprises our Counselling & Mental Health team, Student Conduct team and our Student Support & Wellbeing Functional Leadership Team. The Disability Support Service currently operates a hybrid working pattern. Any agreed hybrid working pattern is always based on business need and may be subject to change. This role is offered on a permanent part time (17.5 hours per week) basis. Working pattern will be subject to agreement with the Head of Service. Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description. Please note: Interviews are taking place Wednesday 17th December 2025 Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: • 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 42 days per year. • The University closes between Christmas and New Year. • We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS). • No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. • There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. • Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. • On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16. • Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). • The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community • Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. • A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. • If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas. Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here. Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. What you need to demonstrate when you apply When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered. Your application should cover the following criteria: Essential Criteria Qualifications/Experience 1. Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience). 2. Professional practitioner with demonstrable knowledge and expertise in the delivery and development of disability support provision for students in a Higher Education setting, or equivalent. 3. Experience of implementing policies and procedures and supporting change and service improvements. 4. Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues. 5. Experience of participating in internal or external networks to share and discuss good practice, develop strong and productive working relationships and to positively influence the University's reputation. Skills/Abilities/Knowledge 7. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally. 8. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including Microsoft 365. 9. Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition. 10. Knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines. 11. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions. 12. Ability to contribute to planning at an operational level. How to Apply To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria. Please don't forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above). While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. Submitting your application We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates. What you need to submit • A CV: and • A supporting statement or covering letter which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification. Contact details To discuss the role or for any further information, please contact Sarah Prescott, Head of Disability Support (sarah.prescott@durham.ac.uk) Typical Role Requirements Service Delivery/Development Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University's values. Provide specialist advice and guidance relating to your professional area of expertise in line with the University's policies, regulations and values. Manage the delivery of disability support advice and guidance to a high standard and ensure that they are delivered in a customer-focused way. Provide the best possible service by continually reviewing what is required from Disability Support and contribute to ideas and service improvements. Provide specialist knowledge and support when interpreting and analysing complex data and information sources. Look for ways to improve across all areas of your work. Identify any learning needs that should be met by Disability Support and design activities and arrange any training. Contribute to the delivery of activities that generate external income. Support activities which enhance the wider student experience. Planning and Organisation Contribute to the development of operational and strategic plans and service level agreements. Continually seek to enhance the services provided to your stakeholders, planning and implementing any required improvements. Seek feedback from key stakeholders of the service so that Disability Support provision can be adapted to meet customer expectations and to plan future requirements. Manage and monitor the performance of specified services and make recommendations to relevant Service Heads on how it can be improved. Analyse data on the level of service being provided, to recommend areas for future improvement. Meet the development needs of your stakeholders by providing training when required. Manage budgets and expenditure including buying (and returning) goods and services. Communication/Liaison Use your operational expertise to lead and participate in business meetings, working groups and sub-committees. Keep stakeholders updated by sharing key service information about Disability Support. Use the best media and method to communicate with internal and external stakeholders. Create positive working relationships, including internal and external networks, using your networks to increase your knowledge and skills and swap information with peers. Use your expertise to participate in and monitor communities of practice and partnership working, both internally and externally. Any other reasonable duties. Useful links If you would like further information about Disability Support at Durham University, you may find the following will help: Disability Support - Durham University Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Location: Durham, Durham, GB

Posted Date: 11/23/2025