Transition Support Mentor
| Posting date: | 02 July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £31,637 to £38,249 per year, pro rata |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 23 July 2025 |
| Location: | Northampton, Northamptonshire |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 1 day per week |
| Company: | University of Northampton |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | UN5317 |
Summary
About the Job
Part Time: 22 hours per week
Interview Date: 7 August 2025
ASSIST (Additional Support & Inclusion Services Team) are seeking to appoint an experienced and highly motivated Transition Support Mentor to join our Student Services team, with a dedicated focus on helping neurodivergent students—particularly those with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and/or ADHD—successfully transition from school or college (Level 3) into the first year of university.
This post is a key part of the University’s Access and Participation Plan, focusing on preparing students for the academic, social, and practical aspects of university before arrival and during their first year; easing the transition into and through university life, promoting academic success and supporting student wellbeing, in addition to managing a caseload of ongoing mentoring support.
We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.
This post is subject to a background disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service before any appointment can be confirmed.
About you
You will support students in identifying learning barriers related to their impairment and developing strategies to overcome them, such as managing anxiety, improving social integration, enhancing time management, creating a suitable work-life balance and accessing digital resources.
Possessing an in-depth knowledge and experience of working with Neurodivergent adults and an ability to work with students with multiple and complex needs, you will have an ability to identify those at risk of academic or psychological breakdown and respond in a calm, assertive and practical way to identify appropriate support.
With excellent written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills and an empathetic approach, you'll be able to demonstrate an ability to deal with a wide range of people with varying needs as well as having an enhanced appreciation of confidentiality and data protection.
Qualifications
Essential:
Honours degree (Level 6 or above)
Comprehensive training in adult autism (as per SFE and the Department for Education requirements), which must include:
All 6 National Autistic Society (NAS) core autism online training modules (Understanding Autism; Autism and Communication; Autism and Sensory Experience; Autism, Stress and Anxiety; Autism: Supporting families; Women and girls)
OR
Optimum Student Support training course: “Autism and ADHD in Higher Education: Recognising and addressing the barriers through Non-Medical Helper (NMH) Mentoring and Study Skills Strategies”
*Or a willingness to complete relevant training within the first 12 months in post
Desirable:
National Autistic Society (NAS) one-day face to face course in Autism and SPELL in Higher Education
Postgraduate Certificate (PGC) in Autism or Asperger's or Critical Disability Studies focusing on autism
In-house, or other accredited training, at an HE institution or elsewhere, and accredited to at least CPD level, which must include autism in HE as its lead subject
Department
ASSIST forms part of our Additional Needs services for students, along with our Counselling and Mental Health team. We endeavour to provide safe and inclusive services which are accessible to all students. We recognise that our students represent a diverse range of characteristics and are proud to work with all in achieving their full potential.
In addition to joining an encouraging and committed team, other benefits that staff at UON can take advantage of, include; generous annual leave allowance, including Christmas/New Year closure, excellent training and development opportunities; employee assistance programme with advice line and counselling; Cycle to Work Scheme and long service awards
For an informal discussion about the post contact Emma.Banks@northampton.ac.uk
About Us
At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.
Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.
Our Values
Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.
Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.
Right to Work
All candidates will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK at interview. Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position. Due to this criteria we regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time.
Equality
We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.
Part Time: 22 hours per week
Interview Date: 7 August 2025
ASSIST (Additional Support & Inclusion Services Team) are seeking to appoint an experienced and highly motivated Transition Support Mentor to join our Student Services team, with a dedicated focus on helping neurodivergent students—particularly those with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and/or ADHD—successfully transition from school or college (Level 3) into the first year of university.
This post is a key part of the University’s Access and Participation Plan, focusing on preparing students for the academic, social, and practical aspects of university before arrival and during their first year; easing the transition into and through university life, promoting academic success and supporting student wellbeing, in addition to managing a caseload of ongoing mentoring support.
We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.
This post is subject to a background disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service before any appointment can be confirmed.
About you
You will support students in identifying learning barriers related to their impairment and developing strategies to overcome them, such as managing anxiety, improving social integration, enhancing time management, creating a suitable work-life balance and accessing digital resources.
Possessing an in-depth knowledge and experience of working with Neurodivergent adults and an ability to work with students with multiple and complex needs, you will have an ability to identify those at risk of academic or psychological breakdown and respond in a calm, assertive and practical way to identify appropriate support.
With excellent written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills and an empathetic approach, you'll be able to demonstrate an ability to deal with a wide range of people with varying needs as well as having an enhanced appreciation of confidentiality and data protection.
Qualifications
Essential:
Honours degree (Level 6 or above)
Comprehensive training in adult autism (as per SFE and the Department for Education requirements), which must include:
All 6 National Autistic Society (NAS) core autism online training modules (Understanding Autism; Autism and Communication; Autism and Sensory Experience; Autism, Stress and Anxiety; Autism: Supporting families; Women and girls)
OR
Optimum Student Support training course: “Autism and ADHD in Higher Education: Recognising and addressing the barriers through Non-Medical Helper (NMH) Mentoring and Study Skills Strategies”
*Or a willingness to complete relevant training within the first 12 months in post
Desirable:
National Autistic Society (NAS) one-day face to face course in Autism and SPELL in Higher Education
Postgraduate Certificate (PGC) in Autism or Asperger's or Critical Disability Studies focusing on autism
In-house, or other accredited training, at an HE institution or elsewhere, and accredited to at least CPD level, which must include autism in HE as its lead subject
Department
ASSIST forms part of our Additional Needs services for students, along with our Counselling and Mental Health team. We endeavour to provide safe and inclusive services which are accessible to all students. We recognise that our students represent a diverse range of characteristics and are proud to work with all in achieving their full potential.
In addition to joining an encouraging and committed team, other benefits that staff at UON can take advantage of, include; generous annual leave allowance, including Christmas/New Year closure, excellent training and development opportunities; employee assistance programme with advice line and counselling; Cycle to Work Scheme and long service awards
For an informal discussion about the post contact Emma.Banks@northampton.ac.uk
About Us
At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.
Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.
Our Values
Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.
Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.
Right to Work
All candidates will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK at interview. Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position. Due to this criteria we regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time.
Equality
We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.