Immediate posting - Plymouth Assessment Centre
Assessors will be required to work in a hybrid manner, both from the assessment centre and remote working from home.
Brief summary of the primary job purpose.
To deliver Disabled Students’ Allowance (and other) Needs Assessments and produce the required Needs Assessment Report in line with the Student Loans Company (SLC) model, DSA quality standards, and all relevant Key Performance Indicators. The role involves completing all necessary follow-up work, including responding to queries from Funding Bodies, students, and Disability Advisors. The postholder will ensure that students receive timely, appropriate, and person-centred recommendations to support their full access to higher education.
Main tasks and responsibilities:
Responsible to your line manager and the Managing Director for the following tasks and duties:
· Assess the needs of students eligible for DSA (and other) funding through a compliant Needs Assessment, in line with contractual and quality standards.
· Prepare in advance for assessment interviews, including researching course details, reviewing disability/medical evidence, and identifying appropriate assistive technology.
· Deliver assessments both on-site and remotely, according to business need.
· Undertake needs assessments to identify and recommend suitable assistive technology, support services, and adjustments to teaching and learning.
· Demonstrate relevant assistive technology and specialist software during assessments.
· Liaise with suppliers, course tutors, university disability officers, and other stakeholders to source equipment, support, and competitive quotes in accordance with funding body requirements.
· Produce confidential Needs Assessment Reports (NARs) with clear recommendations, justifications, and quotes, ensuring delivery within Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
· Respond promptly to queries from Funding Bodies, students, and other stakeholders regarding reports, recommendations, and quotes.
· Participate in audits, producing the required work and contributing input as needed.
· Keep up to date with relevant legislation, policies, and updates relating to disability, DSA funding, equipment/software, higher education, and support strategies.
· Carry out additional tasks within the scope of the role as directed by the Line Manager and/or Directors (e.g., legacy student work, quality assurance of NARs, covering workloads during assessor absence).
· Contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives and participate in ongoing training and professional development.
Person Specification
The required qualifications, necessary knowledge and practical experience to perform the job.
Essential Criteria
· Experience or understanding of supporting individuals with a range of disabilities or complex needs.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
· Proven ability to produce clear, structured, and professional reports.
· High level of IT literacy, including Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and adapt to new hardware and software products
· Ability to manage multiple priorities while consistently meeting tight deadlines.
· Empathetic, professional, and student-centred approach.
· Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.
Desirable Criteria
· Experience within the DSA sector, education sector, or in a Needs Assessor role.
· Demonstrable experience of using assistive technologies, including open-source and specialist software, as well as adaptive technologies.
· Knowledge of the higher education sector and common barriers faced by disabled students.
· Understanding of relevant legislation and its implications for the education sector.
· Knowledge of funding available to students with disabilities/learning difficulties/study skills needs (including DSA).
· Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) relevant to the role.
· Strong interviewing and questioning techniques to obtain appropriate information and enable suitable recommendations.
· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
· Familiarity with CRM or case management systems
Disability Confident Scheme
As part of our commitment to being a Disability Confident Committed employer, we welcome and encourage applications from disabled candidates and are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process. If you require adjustments at any stage, please let us know – we’re happy to support you.
Under the Disability Confident scheme, we aim to offer an interview to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria for the role and apply under this scheme. To signal this in your application, you’re welcome to use the following statement in your email:
“I would like to apply for this position under the Disability Confident scheme, and confirm that I have a disability or long-term health condition.”
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: From £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health & wellbeing programme
Location:
- Plymouth PL4 (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Plymouth PL4
