Overview
The University of Sheffield is hiring a part-time Student Inclusion Officer to support an inclusive and accessible student learning experience. There are two vacancies: one in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (28 hours per week) and one in the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (17.5 hours per week, Wednesday–Friday). Final placement will be confirmed following interviews.
You will be part of the School’s Education and Student Experience Team, acting as the main contact for queries related to disability, student wellbeing and inclusion. You will signpost students to specialist support and advise on inclusive practice to reduce the need for individual adjustments, while monitoring participation and progress and leading initiatives to re-engage students when required.
You will work to improve student success and outcomes, promote equality, diversity and inclusion, and build strong relationships with staff and students to understand and meet disabled and disadvantaged student needs.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
* Act as the main school contact for general disability, student wellbeing, and inclusion support for all students (UG, PGT & PGR), liaising with the wider team to ensure a joined‑up approach to inclusion and engagement.
* Ensure Learning Support Plans, including Exam Support Adjustments (ESAs), are understood and implemented, working with colleagues across the School, Faculty and University as required.
* Offer advice to academic colleagues on implementing reasonable adjustments.
* Work with the Director of Education to identify and implement inclusive practices that reduce the need for individual adjustments for disabled students.
* Be the School’s Disability Liaison Officer, providing guidance to colleagues on disability-related issues and facilitating liaison with Disability and Dyslexia Support Service as required to meet legislative requirements.
* Ensure local mechanisms identify and signpost students who may benefit from University Student Support Services.
* Lead the management of the school’s student progression processes, including Extenuating Circumstances, Extensions, attendance and engagement matters, in collaboration with the team.
* Develop and implement approaches to respond to the participation element of the institution’s Access and Participation Plan with the Student Experience Manager and colleagues in Student & Academic Services.
* Maintain oversight of welfare issues impacting student progression and advise on options such as leave of absence where appropriate.
* Work with the relevant academic lead to identify students at risk of disengagement and take action to support re-engagement.
* Attend and contribute to departmental committees with input on student wellbeing and inclusion.
* Refer complex cases to Student Support Services and coordinate between services and the school as required.
* Delegate to and supervise colleagues to ensure effective delivery of the role; support the wider Education and Student Experience Team to meet responsibilities.
* Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
We value a diverse community and encourage applications even if your past experience does not match perfectly with this role's criteria. Please reference the application criteria in your application statement.
Essential And Desirable Criteria
* Educated to A Level standard with GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent experience).
* Significant experience of working in a student support role, providing initial guidance or signposting, preferably within a Higher Education environment.
* Strong understanding of the Equality Act and how disability and mental health issues may affect students.
* Knowledge of Data Protection and the ability to handle confidential issues sensitively.
* Excellent IT skills (Microsoft Office and Google applications).
* Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving.
* Ability to analyse and interpret data.
* Effective written and verbal communication, including report writing.
* Ability to deal tactfully with people at all levels and negotiate to achieve outcomes.
* Excellent customer service skills with empathy in responding to staff and student enquiries by phone and email.
* Willingness to assist and/or lead others and work collaboratively to meet deadlines.
* Knowledge and understanding of student welfare issues and the support services available.
* Desirable: familiarity with relevant welfare services and university policies.
Additional Information
* Grade: 6
* Salary: £31,637 - £36,130 per annum, pro rata for part-time
* Work arrangement: Part-time roles
* Line manager: To be confirmed depending on School
* Direct reports: To be confirmed depending on School
How to apply and contact
For informal enquiries about this job contact Hannah Chappell-Stokes at h.chappell-stokes@sheffield.ac.uk. For recruitment process support, contact Jennie Gladwin at j.m.gladwin@sheffield.ac.uk.
Our vision and strategy: we are the University of Sheffield. Learn more at sheffield.ac.uk/vision.
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