Job Description

ASC SPECIALIST STUDY SKILLS TUTOR

Key Responsibilities

1. To provide autism specialist, person centred strategy support for autistic students in Higher Education.

2. To liaise with University staff in order to ensure that the student's assessed needs are fully met.

3. To devise autism specific individual strategies to assist the student's learning.

4. To provide on-going assessment of student's learning.

5. To make recommendations for further formal assessment where necessary.

6. To guide and advise the student's mentor (where appropriate) in the implementation of autism specific strategies, which underpin learning.

7. To inform other professionals (where appropriate) of the impact of autism on an individual's learning and study.

Hours of Work:

Hourly, as agreed by the study skills tutor and Spectrum First Education.

Place of Work:

A named University in Sheffield or other location agreed by the study skills tutor and approved as suitable by the Directors of Spectrum First Education.

Time of Work:

As agreed by the study skills tutor and student and approved by the Directors of Spectrum First Education.

Remuneration:

Starter hourly rate of 35 plus 12.07% holiday entitlement and workplace pension contribution.

Responsible to:

The board of Directors of Spectrum First Education.

Role Description:

The Autism specialist study skills tutor is required to provide a high standard of autism specialist support to named students at named Universities, as identified by the University and allocated to the tutor through Spectrum First Education. Study skills support is provided specifically to assist students to access learning opportunities through addressing and removing any barriers which might prevent or hinder the student's full access to the learning experience and in so doing, to increase the student's independence.

This could involve the following:

Teaching the student awareness of autism and the impact that this has on them as individuals and in particular on their thinking and learning. Teaching the student strategies for managing behaviours which could be considered as 'inappropriate' within the Higher Educational setting. Devising appropriate strategies to enable the student to manage and organise their work load and time. Teaching the student to communicate effectively with their peers and academic staff and, where appropriate, to communicate for them. Providing autism specific strategies to assist the student's memory skills. Providing autism specific study skills teaching. Assisting the student to engage/ communicate with outside organisations when those organisations have an effect on the student's learning. Attending meetings with students and / or supporting communication Teaching the student 'life skills', when those skills are directly related to the learning situation and environment. Identifying appropriate adjustments to assist the student's full access to learning. Meeting with other professionals involved in the student's support. Providing on going assessment of student's support needs. Contributing to the student review process.

In addition, the Specialist Study Skills Tutor is expected to:

Maintain records in line with the policies and procedures of Spectrum First Education. Comply with the Continued Professional Development expectations of Spectrum First Education. Maintain professional standards at all times. Liaise as required with named University staff members. Where relevant, guide the student's mentor on the implementation of autism specific strategies. Demonstrate due care and regard for their own safety as a 'lone worker'. Perform other duties required by the University, through discussion, approval and direction from the Company Directors of Spectrum First Education.

PLEASE NOTE:

Spectrum First Education only employs people who have an existing knowledge and experience of Autism Spectrum Conditions and we expect applicants to demonstrate this in their application and at interview.

We do not provide supplementary information but we advise all candidates to ensure that their knowledge is current and to a high standard.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge

*High level of knowledge and awareness of Autism (and preferably ADHD)

*Knowledge and awareness of the requirements of study at University.

*Knowledge and awareness of inclusion and disability support.

Skills

*Good communicator and negotiator.

*Ability to think strategically.

*Ability to use initiative to solve problems.

*Good organisation skills.

*Flexibility.

*Positive approach.

*Good team player.

*Display non-discriminatory attitudes.

(Desirable) *Ability to contribute to training

QUALIFICATIONS

*Degree in relevant subject.

*Teaching qualification

*Willingness to work towards a postgraduate qualification in ASC.

(Desirable) *Postgraduate qualification in ASC or related area.

(Desirable) *NAS 'Women and Girls' online module

EXPERIENCE

Supporting autistic or ADHD people, preferably in a Further or Higher Educational setting.
(Desirable) *Lecturing / Teaching / Social Care.

(Desirable) *Other relevant experience.

Full role Department of Education descriptions of the role and its mandatory criteria are available here on page 12:

https://www.practitioners.slc.co.uk/media/2109/matrix-june-2025.pdf

In-house training provided, but please check mandatory requirements.

Job Types: Part-time, Zero hours contract

Pay: 35.00-42.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 - 20 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Flexitime
Education:

Bachelor's (required)
Experience:

Teaching: 1 year (preferred) Tutoring: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: asc-ss-sheffield