Overview
We are seeking a Plymouth based Freelance Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) Needs Assessor to conduct DSA Needs Assessments for students in higher education, identifying the impact of disability, long-term health conditions, mental health conditions and/or specific learning difficulties on their studies. The assessor will make evidence-based recommendations for support, specialist equipment and strategies in line with current DSA guidance and quality standards. This role offers flexible freelance opportunities, allowing professionals with relevant expertise to contribute to accessible education. The position is suitable for those looking to make a meaningful difference in students' academic journeys.
Responsibilities
- Conduct DSA Needs Assessments in accordance with current DSA guidance and Access2Learn procedures.
- Review medical evidence, diagnostic reports and supporting documentation prior to assessments.
- Explore the impact of a student's disability or condition on their academic studies in a sensitive, professional and person-centred manner.
- Recommend appropriate support, equipment, software and strategies to minimise study-related barriers.
- Produce accurate, comprehensive and high-quality needs assessment reports within required timescales.
- Maintain detailed and accurate records using company systems.
- Keep up to date with changes to DSA legislation, guidance, assistive technology and sector best practice.
- Participate in quality assurance activities and feedback processes as required.
- Comply with GDPR, confidentiality requirements, safeguarding procedures and all relevant company policies.
- Represent Access2Learn professionally at all times.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Experience conducting DSA Needs Assessments.
- Excellent report writing skills.
- Strong knowledge of disability, neurodiversity, mental health conditions and their impact within higher education.
- Knowledge of current DSA funding guidance and processes.
- Ability and willingness to travel to Plymouth to conduct face-to-face DSA Needs Assessments.
- Availability to deliver a combination of remote and in-person assessments.
- Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Competent IT skills and ability to use case management systems.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working within higher education.
- Experience supporting disabled students.
- Knowledge of assistive technology and ergonomic solutions.
Fees
The organisation will pay a fee of:
F2F Needs Assessment: £120
Remote Needs Assessment: £110
F2F Review of Needs Assessment: £95
Remote Review of Needs Assessment: £85
Cancellation fees will also be paid in the event of short notice cancellations/no shows.
Additional Information
IT Requirements
You should have a laptop and internet connection sufficient to deliver the work. You should have the ability to complete video calls, therefore need to have a webcam.
Access2Learn abide by the Cyber Essentials requirements. Any devices accessing systems required for assessment work will need to follow these requirements, which includes but isn’t limited to: Up-to-date operating systems with active security updates, having a firewall enabled (eg. Windows Defender), using multi-factor authentication where it is enabled on relevant assessment systems.
You will require:
- Willingness to undertake public indemnity and personal indemnity insurance
- Basic DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).
- Right to work in the UK.
Company Values and Behaviours
· Embrace and drive continuous improvement.
· Promote a customer and learner-centred culture and approach.
· Strive to be the best – expertise, quality, and capability.
· Implement a proactive, transparent, and integrated end-to-end service.
· Deliver service excellence, with a continued desire to go above and beyond.
· Be encouraging and invest in continuous learning and development.
· To value, respect and understand an individual’s contributions, specialisms, and needs.
· To inspire confidence and empowerment through encouragement, engagement and providing opportunities for individuals to demonstrate their potential
· To conduct ourselves and treat others with integrity, dignity, and sincerity.
Disability Confident Employer
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.”
Experience:
- DSA Needs Assessor: 2 years (preferred)
Location:
- Plymouth, Devon (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Plymouth (Devon)
