Learning Support Officer

SALARY/GRADE: Band 5 (£31,586 - £35,235)

JOB PURPOSE:

• To contribute to the development, maintenance and co-ordination of a range of support services for students with disabilities, learning difficulties or long-term medical conditions in order to ensure that students are able to participate fully in their chosen course of study.
• To assess, monitor and review the additional support needs of students with disabilities, learning difficulties or long-term medical conditions and implement support strategies in line with the requirements of the student pathway in a busy environment.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• To assess and determine the support requirements for students including examination access arrangements, personal and technical support.
• To identify suitable provision for additional support within existing budgets and guidelines: follow associated policies and procedures
• To complete, monitor and review individual student support plans
• To review support strategies for students with students with disabilities, learning difficulties or long-term medical conditions in conjunction with relevant academic staff.
• To provide information and advice to staff and students in relation to the appropriate procedures for the administration of the Additional Support Fund, Disabled Student Allowance, the implementation of examination arrangements and other support services within the organisation.
• To provide information, guidance and advice to existing staff and students and prospective students with disabilities.
• To advise course teams on the implementation of effective classroom strategies which will enable students with specific learning difficulties to successfully complete their course ofstudy
• To input, collate and analyse relevant information for reporting and funding purposes
• To liaise with external voluntary and statutory agencies in order to ensure a comprehensive service is provided in order to support Belfast Metropolitan College students with a disability and/or additional support need.
• To contribute to the development of operational procedures and codes of good practice.
• To assist the Centre Manager with operational tasks
• To participate in the selection of staff, in line with recruitment and selection training; and
• To ensure staff maintain a high regard for customer service.

General Act, if directed, as Fire Marshall or Fire Warden. Carry out, if directed, the role of First Aider (subject to College policy & procedures).

• To promote, implement and ensure compliance with all statutory obligations and College policies and procedures in particular the College’s Equality Scheme and Equal Opportunities Policy and actively promote equality and good relations in all aspects of college business.

Personnel Specification Essential Criteria Qualifications1 EITHER hold a qualification at a minimum level 5 (e.g. HND) plus have a minimum of 2 years’ experience* of assessing and implementing a range of support interventions necessary to meet the needs of young people of post primary age or adults with disabilities, learning difficulties or long-term medical conditions OR hold a qualification at a minimum level 4 (e.g. HNC) plus have a minimum of 3 years’ experience* of assessing and implementing a range of support interventions necessary to meet the needs of young people of post primary age or adults with disabilities, learning difficulties or long-term medical conditions *may refer to calendar or academic year

Knowledge / Experience Demonstrate a working knowledge of the implementation of Examination Access Arrangementsfor young people of post primary age or adults with disabilities. Experience managing multiple client caseloads in a responsive and efficient manner. Experience using Microsoft office applications. Competencies The competencies required for effective performance in post are:

Specialist Knowledge Planning, Prioritising & Organising

Relationship Management Information and Data Analysis Customer Service Orientation Communication and Personal Impact