ASD mentor

1. To support students to develop learning strategies to assist them in overcoming difficulties associated with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Support may include:
   • Motivation and goal setting
   • Strategies for effective time management
   • Organisational skills
   • Study and exam preparation skills
   • Stress or anxiety management
   • Social interaction
2. Agree and adhere to ground rules for support sessions in relation to environmental and sensory issues and determine any anxiety related manifestations.
3. Provide advocacy and liaison support.
4. Assist the student in identifying and accessing University facilities and services (e.g. IT, Careers, Library, Sports Centre) and accompanying them to access these services where appropriate.
5. Actively encourage and support the student in making the most of the range of services and opportunities available to increase their University experience in doing so increase their confidence and independence.
6. Apply different strategies and approaches to support sessions such as mind mapping, spider diagrams, confidence rating scales, prompts and reminders, schedules and planning resources.
7. To maintain continued personal development and participate in related training and development courses.
8. Develop an agreed learning plan which is appropriate to the students’ needs and demonstrates the development of techniques and strategies which will help to promote independent learning and progression.
9. Provide within agreed time-frames, progress reports and associated documentation in consultation with the student and the Register of Support Providers.
10. Ensure that electronic timesheets are completed on a regular basis and by key dates as advised by the Register of Support Providers.
11. Maintain confidential records, including an electronic record of all contact with students and take into consideration the safeguarding of these, whilst adhering to the requirements of Data Protection legislation in Northern Ireland.
12. Comply with the University’s equal opportunities policy and promote equal opportunity in all aspects of the role.
13. Comply with the University’s health and safety policies whilst on campus.
14. Maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant legislative developments and best practice within the post-16 education sector in relation to support for disabled students.
15. Maintain professional competence, status and memberships of professional bodies.

Qualifications

Essential Criteria

• Degree or Equivalent

Desirable Criteria

• BA/BSc in Social Work/Occupational Mental Health

Previous Experience

Essential Criteria

• Experience of providing study skills tuition at FE/HE level
• Professional or voluntary experience of working with people with Asperger’s or Autism
• Excellent written and communication skills and ability to relate to students on a one to one basis using exceptional interpersonal skills
• An understanding of the responsibilities associated with maintaining confidentiality and an awareness of the requirements under data protection
• All successful candidates will be expected to complete an Access NI (enhanced disclosure) check
• Flexibility over working hours

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge or experience of IT packages used to support students with ASD; which may include: Read and Write, Claroread and applications which assist with Mind Mapping
• Experience of developing learning plans which are appropriate to the needs of students in higher education environment and which include the development of strategies and techniques to  promote independent learning progression