Purpose of the Role
The Sighted Guide provides practical support and assistance to students with visual impairments, enabling them to access all aspects of university life safely, independently, and inclusively. The role involves guiding students between locations, supporting navigation around campus, facilitating access to learning environments and events, and promoting student independence wherever possible.
Key Responsibilities
Student Support
- Act as a sighted guide for visually impaired students across campus and during university-related activities.
- Support students in navigating lecture theatres, seminar rooms, libraries, social spaces, accommodation, and other university facilities.
- Assist students with orientation to new environments and routes.
- Provide verbal descriptions of surroundings, obstacles, room layouts, and environmental changes when appropriate.
- Support students in accessing academic, social, and extracurricular activities.
Independence and Inclusion
- Encourage and promote student independence while providing the level of support required.
- Respect individual preferences regarding guiding techniques and communication methods.
- Foster an inclusive and supportive environment that enables students to participate fully in university life.
- Work collaboratively with students to identify barriers to access and develop practical solutions.
Health, Safety and Safeguarding
- Follow recognised sighted guiding techniques and best practice guidance.
- Ensure the safety of students while navigating campus environments.
- Adhere to university safeguarding, equality, diversity, and health and safety policies.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Understanding of the needs of people with visual impairments.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to build positive and professional relationships with students.
- Reliable, punctual, and organised.
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Desirable Criteria
- Previous experience supporting disabled students or individuals with visual impairments.
- Training or experience in sighted guiding techniques.
- Experience working within an educational or support environment.
- Knowledge of disability legislation and inclusive practice in higher education.
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent), including English and Maths.
Desirable
- Relevant qualification in support work, disability services, education, social care, or a related field.
- Accredited Sighted Guide training.
What you can offer us:
· Knowledge and experience of the local area and studying within a higher education setting.
· Knowledge of the University layout and buildings
· Lived experience of being a student and possibly disabilities I.E. ADHD, Autism, SPLDS etc
What Amano offer you:
· A rewarding and flexible role
· Support from a professional and friendly team
· Comprehensive CPD
· Competitive rates of pay
· Zero-hour contract basis
· Innovative, easy-to-use Amano App.
· flexibility to work around your commitments during sociable hours
· adds experience and depth to your CV
We will provide training on working with people with disabilities and on how to support their needs.
If you are interested please contact us at [email protected] with your CV for a discussion about the role.
Pay: £13.45 per hour
Application question(s):
- Are you able to work onsite at the University of Portsmouth?
- Are you a student at the University of Portsmouth?
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
