Learning Engagement Advisor

Overall role and context: SETU is committed to teaching and learning, the quality of its academic programmes and its leadership in widening participation in higher education. We are committed to the provision of quality higher education opportunities for all learners that meet the varied needs of learners, whilst also providing a platform for regional economic, social and cultural development.

SETU is looking to form a panel of Learning Engagement Advisors to support students with disabilities. The Learning Engagement Advisor is responsible for the delivery of appropriate educational supports for students with disabilities. The role of the Learning Engagement Advisor is to assist the student with their academic work and to support their ability to learn.

The Learning Engagement Advisor is required to work with students with a range of disabilities including specific learning difficulties, neurological conditions, mental health conditions, significant ongoing illness, physical disabilities and sensory disabilities.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and a track record in disability learning support.

Principal duties and responsibilities:Key Responsibilities:

• Management of a student caseload of differing disability cohorts.

• Establishment of a Learning Support Student Agreement.

• Provision of learning support on an individual and group work basis.

• Development and delivery of learning support services such as:

  • Academic writing

  • Notes management

  • Learning styles

  • Information recall/mind mapping

  • Reading

  • Assignment planning

  • Presentation skills

  • Critical thinking

  • Time management

  • Exam techniques

  • Referencing

  • Practical workshops etc.

• Development of learning support material.

• Training (design and delivery) e.g. workshops on study skills, academic writing or relevant learning support area.

• Supervision of group work.

• Communication with the Disability Officer regarding individual student needs.

• Support implementation of approved examination accommodations.

• Monitor and report on the students’ learning support to the Disability Officer.

• Liaise with lecturers/course co-ordinators as required and other members of the Student Services team as required.

The role is likely to involve regular contacts with students, staff, the public, organisations and individuals at all levels where discretion, tact, courtesy and judgement will be constantly exercised. The postholder would be expected to exercise a good degree of initiative and be capable of working under a reasonable level of supervision.

The post will require good knowledge and skill in the use of Information and Communication Technologies and the appointee will be expected to use new techniques and technologies as they arise. SETU will provide the necessary training as appropriate.

Person specification – Qualifications, Knowledge, Experience & Skills:

• Appropriate first- or second-class level 8 Honours degree or from a recognised degree awarding authority or relevant professional qualification.

• Proven experience in the development and delivery of academic learning support to students with disabilities.

• An understanding of the academic difficulties experienced by students with disabilities.

• Demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

• An ability to support in subject areas which are not the specialist area of the tutor.

• Evidence of working cohesively as part of a team with a flexible and positive approach to work.

Hours of Work:

• Carlow post – 35 hours per week. 12 weeks each academic term (2 terms)

• Wexford post – 16 hours per week. 12 weeks each academic term (2 terms)

Salary: €21.50 per Hour

Annual Leave: Annual Leave will be in accordance with arrangements authorised by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science from time to time.