Specific Learning Differences Specialist

The post holder will provide a proactive, cohesive and integral focus for driving the delivery of a broad range of disabled students support entitlements. Including but not restricted to Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and specialist advice to further improve the retention and progression of students.

You will have knowledge and experience of the barriers that may need to be removed in order for students to foster independent learning and contribute to students fulfilling their educational potential. Advise on reasonable adjustments and where necessary, sharing expertise, offering training and contributing to an inclusive learning and teaching environment to develop and promote best practice in holistic approaches to SpLD services.

Familiarity with relevant disability equality legislation and codes of practice will be vital to this role. The post requires you to maintain appropriate professional membership to provide professional support to students with Specific Learning Difficulties.

Principal Duties

To liaise with internal and external professionals and partners as well as actively working with central support services and in curriculum areas, to ensure appropriate support arrangements for disabled students are in place in all areas of College life, including the curriculum, assessments, placements, physical access to buildings and grounds, accommodation etc recommending enhancements and adjustments where required.

Liaise and assist on the duty of care protocol: risk assessments/PEEPs and any other medical or health and safety procedures deemed as necessary. 

To coordinate and carry out appropriate assessments of students with specific learning difficulties and make appropriate recommendations for examination access arrangements; learning support and for learning teaching & assessment provision. Also to support applications for external funding bodies such as Disabled Student Allowance EFA, SFA and Local Authorities.

To manage and support a caseload of students with specific learning difficulties.

To create, continually improve and deliver on relevant service documentation. To monitor and support colleagues in the training & implementation of policies, procedures and ways of working.  This would include accurate records of support using College systems effectively (electronic or otherwise) to monitor, report and action as appropriate on a range of quality indicators related to student outcomes, experience and to awarding body requirements.

To be proactive in the development & monitoring of SpLD support, assist with the continuing development of on line learning support resources and to assist academic colleagues with learning materials and student assignments for students with specific learning difficulties developing contextualised learning support materials and support methodologies.

To understand the implications of funding and other regulations essential for the provision of support within your agreed area of responsibility thus ensuring conformity and best practice. To monitor, report and action as appropriate on a range of quality indicators related to the learner experience. These will include, but not be limited to, attendance, retention , achievement, progression  and student survey outcome.

To liaise with across college teams in relation to appropriate inclusive delivery, the planning of development opportunities and to support and facilitate professional and appropriate training and staff development.

Maintain currency of professional practice to meet professional body requirements by undertaking continuous professional development and other training to support maintenance of the quality of provision.  Through active membership of disability related networks keep abreast of local and national initiatives, changes within legislation, codes of practice and funding bodies’ regulations which may impact upon the sector.

Assist team members in departmental duties and responsibilities, acting as an informal mentor once experienced in post.

Maintain at all times agreed minimum standards of professionalism, including maintenance of online calendar, regular access of emails, confidentiality and appropriate dress and behaviours.

To participate in open days, enrolment events and specific curriculum events, liaise with external agencies, as agreed with Line Manager

To assist with the Health & Safety, Safeguarding and referral systems wherever appropriate.

To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as may be reasonably be required

1. To lead the delivery and monitoring of the quality of the Student Support & Wellbeing Service Specific Learning Difference/Difficulties provision. Providing up to date data and accurate reports to include recommendations to improve and maximise impact, income and efficiency.

This job description is current at the date shown and may be amended after consultation and agreement between management and the post holder.

Standard Responsibilities for all positions in B&FC:

1. To fully adhere to all college policies and procedures.

2. Take appropriate responsibility to ensure the health and safety of self and others.

3. Pursue the achievement and integration of equality and diversity throughout all College activities.

4. Blackpool and The Fylde College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment.

5. To show commitment to the College and its internal and external customers.

6. To work co-operatively with colleagues at all times.

7. Undertake any other tasks and responsibilities appropriate to the level of this post.

This job description is current at the date shown and may be amended after consultation and agreement between management and the post holder.