Student Disability Advisor (PT, 2-year FTC)

Part-time | London Campus | Must have the right to work in the UK; LIS is unable to sponsor visas.

Role

LIS is recruiting a Student Disability Advisor for a part‑time, three days per week on campus, 2‑year fixed term contract to join our small but dynamic Student Support Team, working alongside the Wellbeing Advisor and Wellbeing Manager. This student‑facing role requires on‑campus presence on those 3 days during term time.

Key Responsibilities

• Create, implement, and review tailored support plans for students with disabilities, ensuring reasonable adjustments are identified, communicated, and upheld.
• Manage a caseload of students with diverse and often complex needs, providing ongoing guidance, practical support, and advocacy.
• Undertake initial screening for specific learning differences, analyse this data and refer on for full diagnostic assessment where appropriate.
• Offer general study support to students, one‑to‑one and group support, such as tailored sessions around time management, project planning, accountability and more.
• Provide early intervention where there are concerns around student engagement, wellbeing, or academic progression, working collaboratively with faculty and professional services analysing engagement data.
• Offer advice and training to academic, professional staff and students on disability legislation, institutional policy, and inclusive best practice.
• Advise and uphold the Equality Act and Disability Law.
• Lead on retake support during term time and over the holidays, ensuring clear communication to students and regular check‑ins to help them meet their academic goals.
• Support students through internal and external processes, including (but not limited to) Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), pursuing a diagnosis, Extenuating Circumstances, Fitness to Study, and related procedures.
• Act as a key point of contact for disability‑related enquiries, ensuring a compassionate, student‑centred approach at all times, including onboarding for prospective students.
• Advise and collaborate with the Head of Coaching, managing student issues and conflicts appropriately.
• Contribute actively to institutional panels and committees, such as the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Student Voice Committee and the Academic Decision‑Making Committee, advocating for student needs and informing inclusive strategy.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of policies, processes and services as the university grows and evolves, acting as an advisor to the institution on best practices.
• Act as a designated safeguarding lead for the institution, handling safeguarding cases from first report through to final resolution, ensuring student safety.
• Respond empathetically to distressed students, managing de‑escalation and immediate planning.
• Identify and elevate safeguarding concerns in line with LIS policy.
• Act as a point of contact for student disclosures and coordinate support with external services where appropriate.
• Work within a trauma‑informed, anti‑oppressive, and culturally sensitive practice.
• Work closely with academic, operational and student‑facing colleagues to coordinate appropriate support.
• Contribute to the formation of and running group workshops, community‑building activities, induction events, and proactive wellbeing initiatives.
• Support communication and reasonable adjustments between students, faculty and support teams.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records in line with data protection requirements and professional standards.
• Support data gathering, analysis, and service evaluation.
• Contribute to wider projects, continuous improvement, and service evolution throughout the academic year.

Essential Criteria

• Significant experience supporting students or individuals with disabilities, neurodivergence or long‑term health conditions in an education, support or advisory setting.
• Significant experience within a higher education setting conducting needs assessments, creating tailored support plans and implementing reasonable adjustments.
• Strong experience supporting talented neurodivergent individuals (autism, ADHD, SpLDs, sensory/processing differences), including coaching and practical strategies.
• Experience conducting 1:1 sessions.
• Qualifications in one or more coaching, complex mental health, neurodiversity or disability support or specialist coaching qualifications for neurodivergent communities.
• Strong working knowledge of disability legislation and disability advocacy (e.g. Equality Act 2010).
• Knowledge of student accessibility barriers and inclusive learning practices, including alternative assessments.
• Experience conducting wellbeing assessments, risk evaluations, and crisis management with complex/high risk cases.
• Experience advising and supporting students through higher education processes such as extenuating circumstances, learning plans and fitness to study.
• Proven ability to manage a varied caseload, including students with complex or overlapping needs.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with students and staff.
• Experience providing guidance, advocacy or casework support through formal processes or panels.
• Ability to remain calm, grounded and professional when working under pressure or with sensitive and distressing situations.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, including accurate record‑keeping and follow‑up.
• Confident IT skills, including Microsoft Teams and Office.
• Commitment to inclusive, evidence‑based and student‑centred practice.
• Safeguarding training and experience handling complex cases.
• Willingness to work flexibly and adapt to change in a developing and innovative institutional environment.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience supporting students through DSA applications and liaising with external providers.
• Training or professional qualification related to disability support, mental health, counselling, social work or a related field.
• Experience delivering training or workshops to staff or students.
• Experience running group sessions focusing on study and learning skill support for students.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed practice and/or intersectional approaches to student support.
• Experience contributing to institutional policy development or committee work related to EDI or student wellbeing.
• Experience supporting mature learners, working professionals, parents/carers, under‑represented communities or those balancing work and study.
• Experience designing or delivering neuro‑diversity support workshops.
• Familiarity with tools such as Notion and student record systems.

Personal Attributes

• Empathetic, compassionate and student focused.
• Confident working autonomously while contributing positively to a small, collaborative team.
• Reflective, open‑minded and responsive to feedback and change.
• Passionate about empowering students and removing barriers to success.

Working Pattern & Environment

• Three days per week – part time on a 2‑year fixed‑term contract.
• Three days per week on campus during term time, working either 9am – 5pm or 10am – 6pm.
• Hybrid working from home during student holidays is allowed.
• Occasional evening or weekend work for student events may be required.

Our Commitment to Inclusion, Equity & Belonging

LIS is actively building a community where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. We are committed to tackling structural inequality and supporting students and staff from historically under‑represented and underserved groups. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who are

• Black, Asian, or from other ethnic diverse communities
• LGBTQIA+ or gender non‑conforming
• Neurodivergent thinking patterns

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. LIS is not able to sponsor visa applications for this role.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

• Enhanced DBS disclosure.
• Adherence to all safeguarding and conduct policies.
• A commitment to ethical, respectful, trauma‑informed practice towards all.

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