Specialist Mentor (Mental Health)

The Purpose of this role is to provide individual academic and study related support for disabled students, particularly those with mental health conditions; the level and type of support will vary according to individual needs. Typically, mentors will assist students to manage the impact of their condition, develop organisational skills and manage their time and workload effectively. This support will help them to develop as independent learners and maintain the necessary focus on academic progress.

The Specialist Mentor will work within the Disability Service, as part of the Wellbeing and Inclusion team, and is expected to work closely and proactively with colleagues in the Student & Academic Services Directorate, and across the University to provide high quality professional support to students.

1. The provision of mentoring support, advice and guidance to disabled students, primarily those with mental health disabilities. The aim of this support is to assist students to develop the skills and confidence to succeed in their academic careers.

2. Work with a caseload of students and engage in a structured manner to deliver support as outlined by the student’s Disability Adviser.

3. Suggest practical strategies and good habits to support students’ academic performance and manage anxiety/stress related to workload.

4. Maintain detailed and accurate records of meetings with students and liaise with Disability Advisers to update on student progress.

5. Preserve the confidential nature of the work and adhere to relevant GDPR requirements.

6. Identify those at academic or psychological risk, taking appropriate action to escalate concerns as required and support students to access additional University services as necessary.

7. To pursue continuous professional development, in order to maintain their knowledge base, self-awareness, and enhanced skills.

8. Undertake additional work within the Disability Service commensurate with the grade e.g. support the delivery of training materials and workshops to colleagues in the academic Colleges and Schools.

9. To collaborate with the wider multi-disciplinary team and associated colleagues, to provide effective wellbeing support and clear referral pathways.

10. On occasion, provide assistance to students requiring physical support around campus and/or notetaking support in class.

A1 Qualified to Scottish Credit & Qualification Framework Level 8 AND membership of a suitable professional body e.g. BACP, BABCP, BPS, NMC, HCPC, SSSC, UKCP, UMHAN

A2 Thorough knowledge and understanding of mental health disability, its potential impact on study and the requirements for supporting disabled students in a University/Higher Education setting.

A3 Knowledge of relevant mental health issues impacting university students and an understanding of the emotional and developmental aspects of student learning

A4 A working knowledge of the legal framework in which Disability support operates e.g. Data Protection Legislation, Freedom of Information Act and Equality Act.

A5 Knowledge of assistive technology and how it can support students.

C1 Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and developed self-awareness

C2 Effective liaison, negotiation and referral skills

C3 Proven ability to use initiative prioritise workload and pro-actively seek guidance and consultation on complex cases

C4 Ability to work collaboratively within a team and across teams C5 Ability to work calmly under pressure using emotional resilience and stamina

C6 Ability to work effectively with students from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. C7 Ability to sensitively and professionally support students presenting as at risk or in crisis.

C8 Ability to break down and explain instructions for students so that they have a clear and unambiguous understanding of what to do.

E1 Experience of working with students with mental health conditions and varied learning needs and challenges.

E2 Practical experience of mentoring

E3 Experience of risk management and escalation in relation to mental health

E4 Experience of working within a busy, pressurised environment

E5 Experience of case management, maintaining clear and concise case notes, liaising with Disability Advisers and others as appropriate.

F1 Experience working within a University/Higher Education based Disability service or equivalent

Salary will be Grade 6, £30,502 - £34,308 per annum pro rata.

This post is part-time (14 hours per week), and open ended.

The post for which you are applying is considered 'registered work' in terms of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Act. It requires the successful applicant to become a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme member prior to appointment. This check is necessary to ensure that the University of Glasgow fulfills its legal duties under the Act. If you are successful in your application, the offer of employment will be subject to PVG Scheme membership. Further information is available at: https://www.mygov.scot/pvg-scheme/

Please note it is a criminal offence to apply for a child care position if you are on the Disqualified From Working with Children List.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.