ASSIST Disability Support Advisor

About the Job

Part time: 30 hours per week

Interview Date: 20 November 2025

ASSIST (Additional Support & Inclusion Services Team) are seeking to appoint a dedicated, empathetic and highly motivated Disability Support Advisor to join our diverse and busy service at the University of Northampton. 

You will work alongside other Disability Advisors to be a first point of contact for ASSIST queries, providing information, guidance and support to students with a range of medical conditions, disabilities and neurodivergent profiles.

Your role will contribute to the delivery of high-quality, student-focused services that empower disabled students to make informed educational, personal and vocational choices, and to provide an excellent student experience.

This is a student-facing position involving drop-in sessions, one-to-one appointments, responding to enquiries, and supporting the administration of student registrations and support arrangements.

We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.

Whilst remote working is available for this post the number of days per week will vary during each semester depending on the requirements of the post, this will be discussed in more detail at interview. However, you will have the option to work remotely at least one day per week.

This post is subject to a background disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service before any appointment can be confirmed.

About You

We are looking for someone who can work independently, manage their workload effectively, and make informed decisions while knowing when to seek guidance.

The successful candidate will possess a good understanding of Higher Education, with strong IT and administrative skills, and clear communication abilities. Disability awareness and a commitment to supporting students to reach their full potential are essential, along with discretion, empathy, and professionalism.

You will have a proven ability to deal with confidential, sensitive information and a strong understanding of data protection regulations.

With an ability to work well under pressure and exercising initiative, adaptability and problem-solving skills, the successful person will be a strong team-player and will be warmly welcomed into a highly supportive, enthusiastic and dynamic network of specialist support staff.

Qualifications

Essential

• Honours degree, or relevant equivalent

Desirable

• Qualification and/or training relating to: disability support and awareness
• Qualification and/or training relating to dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
• Qualification and/or training in data protection and safeguarding personal data
• Membership of Professional Associations (Such as, ADSHE, PATOSS, NADP, BDA)

Department

ASSIST forms part of our Additional Needs services for students, along with our Counselling and Mental Health team. We endeavour to provide safe and inclusive services which are accessible to all students.  We recognise that our students represent a diverse range of characteristics and are proud to work with all in achieving their full potential.

In addition to joining an encouraging and committed team, other benefits that staff at UON can take advantage of, include; generous annual leave allowance, including Christmas/New Year closure, excellent training and development opportunities; employee assistance programme with advice line and counselling; Cycle to Work Scheme and long service awards.

For an informal discussion about the post contact ASSIST@northampton.ac.uk

About Us

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right to Work

All candidates will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK at interview.

Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position. Due to this criteria, we regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time. 

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON