Page content

For more information about the role and the qualities you need, please see the information below.

At a glance

Role: Freelance Educational Psychologist/SpLD Assessor

Location: Ulster University, Student Wellbeing (all campuses)

Rate of Pay: £300 per completed Assessment

Purpose of Role: Conduct diagnostic assessments for students with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADD and produce high quality and concise diagnostic assessments in a timely manner to identify appropriate support in higher education.

Main Duties

  1. Conduct in-depth, one-to-one diagnostic assessments with students, to determine whether they have a specific learning difficulty and the impact this will have on their learning experience;
  2. Administer a set of psychometric tests to assess specific cognitive functions of the student to help determine a formal diagnosis of whether the student does have a specific learning difficulty;
  3. Interpret test results and provide constructive and appropriate feedback to the student ensuring they fully understand the assessment process throughout and any test results;
  4. Provide a full explanation of the rationale for any conclusions and recommendations, which should be appropriate to the higher educational environment.
  5. Provide high quality and concise diagnostic assessment reports, which should be forwarded, securely to the student and the University within agreed timeframes.
  6. Communicate effectively with the Student Wellbeing administration team via telephone and email to manage student referrals, room bookings and confidential report submissions within agreed timescales.
  7. 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 GDPR Data Protection legislation.
  8. Comply with the University’s equal opportunities policy and promote equal opportunity in all aspects of the role and comply with the University’s health and safety policies whilst completing diagnostic assessments;
  9. 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 and maintain professional competence, status and memberships of professional bodies.

Education & experience

Educational and Professional Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to Degree level.

And

  • Eligible to diagnose SpLDs using the appropriate guidelines and hold a current* Assessment Practising Certificate which must include at least one of the following;
    • All   current level 7 SpLD Assessment Practising Certificates
    • AMBDA   level accredited courses, such as the OCR Level 7 SpLD Diploma
    • SASC   post-graduate courses accredited as leading to an APC
    • CPT3A   qualification
    • PAPAA   qualification

*This will apply to certificates such as Level 7 SpLD where entitlement to retain the certificate is reviewed on a regular basis by the awarding body. Candidates should therefore be able to demonstrate that the certificate is valid and up to date.

Or

  • Accredited membership of a relevant professional body such as the Health and Care Professions Council, British Psychological Society, the Psychology Society of Ireland or equivalent as a Chartered Educational Psychologist.

Desirable

  • A postgraduate/professional educational qualification in a relevant area.

Previous Experience/Training

Essential

  • A minimum of three years’ experience of conducting diagnostic assessments for adults with specific learning difficulties
  • Demonstrable experience of writing high quality and concise diagnostic assessment reports.

Desirable

  • Experience of completing diagnostic assessments for adults with Specific Learning Difficulties in higher education.
  • Experience of working with and/or providing support to students with specific learning difficulties in higher education.

Job-Related Achievements

Essential

  • An up-to-date knowledge of relevant disability legislation in Northern Ireland particularly in respect of the requirements of educational institutions and their obligations to supporting students with disabilities.
  • A good knowledge of a range of support and study skills strategies including assistive technology to support individuals with specific learning difficulties.
  • An understanding of the responsibilities in maintaining confidentiality and an understanding of the requirements of GDPR data protection legislation.

Inter-Personal Skills

Essential

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent organisational skills and proven ability to meet strict deadlines within specified procedures.

Other Factors

Essential

  • Ability to travel to Ulster University campuses to meet service demands.
  • Ability to provide an AccessNI (Enhanced Disclosure) certificate.

How to apply

Thank you for your interest in joining our list of freelance Educational Psychologists and SpLD Assessors working with Student Wellbeing at Ulster University. Please download and complete the application form with reference to the role description.

Should you require this form in an alternative format, please contact Student Wellbeing at studentwellbeing@ulster.ac.uk or 028 9536 7000.

Please include an anonymised professional assessment report with your application.

Return all forms by post to

Student Wellbeing 15G20A

Ulster University

Shore Road

Newtownabbey

BT37  0QB

Or by email to studentwellbeing@ulster.ac.uk