Home Jobs Higher Education Disability Practitioner and DSA Advisor
Back to Jobs

Higher Education Disability Practitioner and DSA Advisor - Job Opportunity at Weston College Group

Weston-super-Mare, United Kingdom
Part-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 10, 2025
Hybrid
£18,000-£22,000 per annum pro-rata for this 0.5 FTE position, reflecting the specialized nature of DSA advisory work and the current market premium for qualified disability practitioners in the UK higher education sector. Full-time equivalent salaries typically range £36,000-£44,000 depending on institutional size and regional factors.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme providing long-term financial security above standard workplace pension minimums
Comprehensive employee discount program offering both local and national retail savings opportunities
Complimentary on-site parking across all campus locations eliminating commuting costs
Extended holiday entitlement exceeding statutory minimums for enhanced work-life balance
Guaranteed 2-week Christmas closure providing predictable extended holiday periods
Flexible hybrid working arrangements supporting modern work-life integration
Dedicated staff welfare infrastructure including specialized wellbeing champions and support officers
Comprehensive eye care benefits including free testing and optical contribution
24/7 employee assistance program providing round-the-clock mental health and crisis support
Professional development opportunities with clear progression pathways and annual conference attendance
Inclusive workplace culture supported by specialized committees for equality, diversity, autism, and menopause awareness

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic disability support initiatives by advising higher education students and applicants on Disabled Students Allowance access, directly impacting institutional compliance and student retention rates
Design and deliver comprehensive transition support programs through UCW's Headstart initiative, ensuring seamless integration of students with disabilities into higher education environments
Implement systematic screening and identification processes for learning differences across the entire HE student population, establishing early intervention protocols that enhance academic outcomes
Develop individualized support strategies that bridge institutional resources with external DSA-funded services, optimizing resource allocation and student success metrics
Facilitate collaborative partnerships with external disability support providers, expanding the institution's capacity to serve diverse learning needs without additional internal investment

Requirements

Education

A Degree or equivalent qualification in an appropriate area

Experience

Experience of developing and implementing individualised programmes of study

Required Skills

Knowledge and understanding of the impact of learning differences, disabilities and mental health diagnosis on academic engagement and achievement Ability to develop and implement individualised programmes of study Experience with Disabled Students Allowance processes and applications Skills in delivering group and individual study skills sessions Understanding of transition support for students with disabilities and additional needs
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The higher education sector is experiencing unprecedented growth in disability disclosure rates, with recent statistics showing over 15% of students now declaring disabilities compared to less than 7% a decade ago. This trend is driving institutional demand for specialized disability practitioners who can navigate complex DSA regulations while maintaining compliance with evolving accessibility legislation. The sector is also witnessing increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies regarding inclusive education practices, making skilled disability practitioners essential for institutional reputation and legal compliance. Digital transformation in higher education has created new accessibility challenges and opportunities, with institutions requiring practitioners who understand both traditional disability support methods and emerging assistive technologies. The integration of AI-powered learning platforms and digital assessment tools requires disability practitioners to continuously update their knowledge of accommodations and reasonable adjustments in digital environments. Post-pandemic higher education has seen a significant increase in mental health-related disability disclosures, with anxiety and depression cases rising by over 40% among student populations. This shift requires disability practitioners to possess sophisticated understanding of mental health impacts on academic performance and the ability to coordinate complex support packages that address both learning and wellbeing needs.

Role Significance

Typically operates within a small specialized team of 3-5 disability support professionals, often working closely with student services, academic support, and external agencies. The role requires coordination with multiple stakeholders including academic staff, external assessors, and DSA funding bodies, effectively managing a network of 15-20 regular professional contacts.
This mid-level specialist role operates with significant autonomy in decision-making regarding student support strategies and DSA applications, requiring independent judgment on complex cases while collaborating with senior management on policy development. The position holds substantial influence over institutional disability support outcomes and student success metrics, positioning the practitioner as a key stakeholder in academic quality assurance processes.

Key Projects

Development and implementation of institution-wide disability screening and identification protocols that establish systematic early intervention frameworks for incoming student cohorts Creation of comprehensive transition support programs that bridge secondary education and higher education environments, incorporating pre-arrival support, orientation programs, and ongoing academic integration strategies Design of innovative study skills curricula that address diverse learning differences while maintaining academic rigor and supporting progression to higher-level qualifications including Masters degrees Establishment of quality assurance frameworks for DSA-funded support services, ensuring compliance with funding body requirements while maximizing student outcomes and institutional efficiency

Success Factors

Deep expertise in DSA regulations and funding mechanisms combined with practical experience in navigating complex application processes and appeals procedures. Success requires staying current with frequent regulatory changes and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders in the DSA ecosystem including Student Finance England and approved support providers. Strong analytical skills to assess individual student needs and translate complex diagnostic information into practical academic support strategies. This includes ability to interpret educational psychology reports, medical documentation, and assistive technology assessments to create comprehensive support packages. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills essential for building trust with vulnerable student populations while maintaining professional boundaries. Success requires ability to advocate effectively for student needs while managing institutional resources and constraints. Project management capabilities to coordinate multiple concurrent support cases while meeting strict deadlines for DSA applications and support implementation. The role demands organizational skills to manage complex timelines and multiple stakeholder requirements simultaneously.

Market Demand

High demand with limited qualified candidates, as the combination of DSA expertise and higher education experience creates a specialized skill set that significantly outpaces supply. The regulatory complexity of disability support in HE environments requires practitioners with specific knowledge that cannot be easily acquired through general training programs.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

DSA knowledge and application expertise represents the most critical skill set, as the complexity of current DSA regulations and the high stakes of application outcomes require practitioners who can navigate sophisticated funding mechanisms while advocating effectively for student needs. This expertise directly impacts both student success and institutional compliance, making it essential for role effectiveness. Understanding of learning differences and mental health impacts on academic performance forms the foundation of effective support delivery, requiring practitioners to translate complex diagnostic information into practical academic accommodations. This skill becomes increasingly critical as student populations present with more complex and intersectional support needs. Communication and relationship-building capabilities are essential for success in this role, as practitioners must build trust with vulnerable student populations while maintaining effective working relationships with academic staff, external providers, and funding bodies. The ability to advocate diplomatically while managing competing priorities determines long-term effectiveness in the position.

Beneficial Skills

Assistive technology expertise becomes increasingly valuable as digital learning environments expand and new accessibility tools emerge, allowing practitioners to provide more comprehensive support recommendations and stay ahead of technological developments in the disability support sector Project management and quality assurance skills enhance effectiveness in managing complex caseloads while contributing to institutional development and policy creation, positioning practitioners for advancement to senior roles within the organization Knowledge of mental health first aid and trauma-informed practice approaches provides additional value in supporting increasingly complex student populations, particularly in post-pandemic higher education environments where mental health needs intersect significantly with learning support requirements

Unique Aspects

This role offers the distinctive opportunity to work across the full spectrum of higher education levels from foundation through Masters programs, providing exposure to diverse student populations and complex progression pathways that few institutions can offer
The position includes direct involvement in developing and delivering the Headstart transition program, allowing the practitioner to influence institutional policy and practice in disability support while building innovative programs from the ground up
Working within a rapidly growing institution provides unique opportunities to shape disability support infrastructure and practices during a period of significant organizational development and expansion
The role combines traditional disability support with cutting-edge DSA advisory services, offering practitioners the chance to develop expertise in both established support methods and emerging funding mechanisms

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 3-5 years for practitioners who demonstrate strong outcomes in student support metrics and develop expertise in emerging areas such as digital accessibility or mental health support coordination. Advanced roles often require additional qualifications in areas such as assistive technology or educational psychology.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Disability Advisor or Head of Disability Services roles within larger higher education institutions, typically involving strategic oversight of disability support across multiple departments and student populations Specialist DSA Assessment roles with approved DSA centers, focusing on needs assessment and assistive technology recommendations for students across multiple institutions Policy development positions with sector bodies such as JISC or individual institutions, contributing to national disability support strategy and regulatory compliance frameworks Independent consultancy opportunities supporting smaller institutions in developing comprehensive disability support infrastructure and staff training programs

Company Overview

Weston College Group

Weston College Group represents one of the UK's fastest-growing further and higher education providers, operating across multiple campuses with a comprehensive portfolio spanning foundation courses through Masters degree programs. The institution has established University Centre Weston as its higher education hub, positioning itself as a significant regional player in the competitive higher education market while maintaining strong vocational education roots.

The college group occupies a strong position in the regional education market, leveraging its rapid growth trajectory to compete effectively with established universities for student recruitment while maintaining competitive advantage through lower costs and more personalized student support services. The institution's dual focus on vocational and academic pathways provides unique positioning in the evolving higher education landscape.
Weston College Group serves as a major educational anchor in the South West region, with particular strength in serving local and regional student populations who benefit from accessible higher education options without the premium costs associated with traditional universities. The location provides strategic advantages for students seeking quality education while maintaining local community connections.
The organization demonstrates strong commitment to employee wellbeing and professional development, evidenced by comprehensive support structures including dedicated welfare officers and specialized workplace committees. The institutional culture emphasizes inclusive practices and staff development, creating an environment conducive to innovative disability support practices and professional growth.
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.