Assistant Disability Officer

Assistant Disability Officer

The Disability Advisor is responsible for providing expert advice, support and guidance to learners with disabilities to ensure that they can maximise their learning outcomes and participate fully in their studies. The Disability Advisor will manage a caseload of students, which entails conducting needs assessments of study-related support requirements and providing individually tailored support and guidance to assist students address the barriers to learning experienced because of their disability.  

Significant experience working with third level students, or in an educational setting

Experience working with a wide range of people with disabilities, including those with specific learning difficulty (SLD)/Dyslexia/Dyscalculia, DCD/Dyspraxia/Dysgraphia, and AD/HD, mental health diagnosis, physical and sensory disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and multiple disabilities

·              Complete needs assessments for students registering with the Disability Support Service in order to assess student needs based on evidence of disability and put in place supports and reasonable accommodations appropriate to student need.

·              Interpret professional reports to determine appropriate supports and reasonable accommodations for students with disability.

·              Manage a caseload of students, with a focus primarily on students registered with a specific learning difficulty (SLD)/Dyslexia/Dyscalculia, DCD/Dyspraxia/Dysgraphia, and AD/HD; noting that caseload may extend to include students registered under other disability categories. 

·              Facilitate and deliver support to students registered with the Disability Support Service (DSS), including those in crisis, to help them realise their potential during their time at university, promoting the resilience and maintenance of positive mental health.

·              Provide expert advice, support and problem-solving techniques for colleagues working with DSS registered students, maintaining and developing appropriate referral, advocacy and sign-posting relationships, both internally and externally

Essential Criteria:

·        Postgraduate qualification in relevant discipline

·        Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience

·        Significant experience working with third level students, or in an educational setting

·        Experience working with a wide range of people with disabilities, including those with specific learning difficulty (SLD)/Dyslexia/Dyscalculia, DCD/Dyspraxia/Dysgraphia, AD/HD, mental health diagnosis, physical and sensory disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and multiple disabilities

·        Awareness of disability issues and the legislative framework within which the University is operating

·        High level interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills

·        Strong IT skills and demonstration of interest in their application in delivering services

Desirable Criteria:

·        Knowledge of a range of disabilities and an understanding of the associated impact on students with a disability within a third level education environment

·        Experience and competence in the delivery of training workshops 

·        Awareness of the need for sensitivity, confidentiality and respect for the privacy of the student is paramount

 For More information, email [email protected]