Job Overview
We are seeking qualified and experienced Specialist Support Professionals for hearing or visually impaired students to join our UK team in the Nottingham area. Our clients are DSA, ATW, and HE institutes. Pay rate is £40ph. You will normally be working on site at university, in-person with students, although remote work sessions may be arranged depending on client needs. Assignments are not guaranteed but will be offered according to suitability and your working preferences. Ideally you will support the same students for the entirety of their study course.
Candidates must hold a relevant qualification (see below), have excellent academic English, and previous experience supporting HI/VI individuals in higher education or employment settings. We offer above industry average pay rates, in return for reliability, independence and a professional approach. Please note that we require an annual DBS check before we can issue any work contracts.
You will play a vital role in supporting the educational journey of clients at either the undergraduate or postgraduate level. The support you offer is intended to enhance educational access, independence, and participation. The role may include elements of practical support as necessary, on a case by case basis.
General Responsibilities
- Support students in their learning through bespoke, individualised strategies that reflect their communication preferences, educational history, and experience.
- Facilitate communication between students and teachers, including understanding of lessons and assignment briefs, English concepts, research methods, and composition strategies.
- Aid in the development of presentations, organisation, time management, and independent learning techniques.
- Collaborate with educators and university support, with student consent, to develop strategies that enhance student engagement, inclusivity, and learning outcomes.
- Support access to research sources and preparation for assignments using appropriate communication strategies.
- Adapt educational resources to meet specific visual or auditory needs and foster student confidence and academic participation.
- Assist with the management and organisation of study materials or research data.
Experience and Qualifications
We require mandatory SSP qualifications for this role (e.g. as required by DSA) as follows:
For SSP-VI (Vision Impairment):
A vision-related postgraduate qualification such as:
- PGDip/MA in Education of Children and Young People with Vision Impairments
- QTVI certification
- PGDip in Inclusive Education (Visually Impaired Learners)
OR
any postgraduate qualification (e.g. PGDip, MA, MSc, PhD, FHEA)
PLUS a vision-related specialist qualification such as:
- Graduate Diploma in Habilitation and Disabilities of Sight (Children and Young People)
For SSP-D (Deaf/HI):
A deaf-related postgraduate qualification such as:
- Qualified Teacher of the Deaf
- PGDip/MA in Deaf Education
- MA Sign Linguistics or BSL/English Interpreting
- Ed.D./Ph.D. in a deaf-related subject
OR any postgraduate qualification (e.g. PGDip, MA, MSc, PhD, FHEA)
PLUS a deaf-related specialist qualification such as:
- Deaf Studies degree
- CSW qualification
- BSL Level 4 or above
- BA (Hons) in Interpreting (BSL and English)
Additionally, if the student uses BSL, the SSP must have BSL Level 2/3 or higher.
Other Skillsand Requirements
- Proven experience in working with impaired students is essential. Any other NMH support is highly desirable.
- You will have the relevant tools and software you need to perform the role you have prior training for. This will include for example a laptop with sufficient processing power, Wifi and battery life for working on location and accessing online resources.
- Excellent timekeeping and communication skills with the ability to build rapport with clients and work independently.
- Strong organisational skills and a problem solving attitude for situational awareness and social contexts.
- A compassionate nature with a genuine desire to help others improve the quality of their experience in education.
- We will need a copy of all relevant certifications.
We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for our clients through professional and personalised support, and a friendly supportive attitude. If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about supporting student success, please send your CV.
Visit our website at: www.firsthandsupport.co.uk
Job Type: Freelance
Pay: £40.00 per hour
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Application question(s):
- Do you have a DSA approved qualification to work in an SSP role?
Language:
- English (required)
Work Location: On the road
Application deadline: 31/08/2025