Specialist Mentor
Location: University of Manchester
Working pattern: Two part-time posts are available: Post 1: Monday (half day), Tuesday and Wednesday (full days); Post 2: Tuesday and Wednesday (full days), Thursday (half day). This is primarily an on-campus role. Staff are expected to work on campus for two full days each week; the remaining half day may be worked remotely, subject to service needs.
The Specialist Mentoring Team, within the Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS), is seeking proactive and highly organised Specialist Mentors to join our small, student-centred team. Alongside one-to-one specialist mentoring, you will contribute to the design, facilitation and evaluation of weekly workshops, group-based support and transition programmes that promote student wellbeing, belonging and academic success.
This is a varied role for someone who is confident working independently, enjoys facilitating groups, and can balance direct student support with administration and service development activity.
You will be responsible for:
Providing specialist mentoring to disabled students, particularly students who are neurodivergent and/or have mental health conditions, helping them develop independent learning, organisation, self-management and wellbeing strategies.
Designing, developing and facilitating accessible workshops, body doubling sessions, transition programmes and other group-based activities.
Maintaining clear, factual student records and accurate data relating to student engagement, service activity and programme evaluation.
Supporting transition and outreach activity, including autism-specific provision, Access and Participation Plan (APP) initiatives, open days and student-facing events.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across DASS and the wider University, while managing safeguarding concerns appropriately in line with University procedures.
We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences and approaches to their work.
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:
Essential criteria
Relevant professional body membership (see Professional Body Membership guidance), together with a degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
Experience supporting neurodivergent students and/or students with mental health conditions in higher education or a similar setting.
Experience facilitating workshops, group sessions or training events, including developing workshop materials and student resources.
Strong organisational, communication and digital skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently, use initiative and manage and escalate safeguarding concerns appropriately.
Desirable criteria
Experience delivering transition programmes in higher education.
Experience facilitating body doubling or peer-support style sessions.
Experience collecting, analysing and responding to student feedback.
Experience running student focus groups or consultation activities.
Experience contributing to service evaluation and development.
Additional information
Staff are typically expected to deliver up to five student appointments per day. Weekly workshop and group-session delivery is a core part of the role. Staff receive monthly clinical supervision, and registration with the University Mental Health Advisers Network (UMHAN) is arranged through the University. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. A DBS check is required.
Our benefits include
For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.
We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.
Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Catherine Davis and Nina Walsh
Email address: catherine.davis@manchester.ac.uk; nina.walsh@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.
