Disabled Student Allowances Officer

Job Purpose:

Our client administer the Disabled Student Allowances (DSAs) scheme which provides support to students with disabilities within Higher Education. The job purpose of the DSA Officer is to determine a student's eligibility and entitlement to a Disabled Student Allowances (DSAs) in accordance with the relevant regulations. This support comes in many forms, from Assistive Technology software and human support to assistance with travel costs. The DSAs account for over £100 million of student finance funding every year and our client works with circa 2000 suppliers nationwide.

Key responsibilities:

• Determine student's eligibility and entitlement to DSAs in accordance with the relevant regulations and Equality Act.
• Determine eligibility of third party payments to students and suppliers.

• Produce concise and relevant ad-hoc letters and emails ensuring they demonstrate a professional and experienced approach.
• Be able to interpret medical evidence i.e.diagnostic reports and audio graphs to ensure correct medical tests have been conducted.
• Possess a strong ability to verbalise key information whilst demonstrating strong influencing skills to external parties.
• Demonstrate a strong knowledge of the end to end process within DSA, acting as subject matter expert to new and developing members of the department.
• Have a strong political awareness and in-depth knowledge of complex relationships within the sector i.e. HEPs, Disability Advisors Groups, DSA-QAG.
• Work in association with the DSA Continuous Improvement Team, to identify, analyse and implement change.
• Provide specialist guidance/advice on DSA products to other areas of the business i.e. Complaints and Counter Fraud Services.
• Be vigilant and risk adverse in handling, sharing and storing sensitive information, in line with the Data Protection Act.
• Possess sound knowledge of assistive technology and specialist human support, to ensure vulnerable students receive correct and appropriate support strategies.
• Ability to take ownership of and proactively manage personal case work, liaising on a 1-2-1 basis with students and stakeholders.
• Display a high degree of emotional intelligence when dealing with vulnerable students who have complex learning needs.
• Effective complaint management, providing information and guidance to the Complaints Team and Head of Service when required.
• Attend and participate in DSA Referral Panels, analysing and debating complex specialist recommendations and complex medical evidence.
• Confidently apply discretion when agreeing recommendations for disability related support.
• Ensure the correct support is in place for students, confidently challenging out of scope recommendations in a clear and concise manner, whilst maintaining a professional relationship with external Needs Assessors/Disability Advisers
• Able to apply the Equality Act and understand the barriers students with disabilities face within Higher Education.
• Be confident in identifying and referring potential fraud during any part of the end to end process.
• Keep up to date with Assistive Technology, HEP provision and relevant legislation on disabilities Produce ad-hoc reports, conduct analysis and provide information to BIS and other Stakeholders/Partners.
• Provide advice and guidance on alternate funding/support to students that are ineligible for DSA funding.
• Attend and actively participate in regular meetings organised by the DSA Team Manager or DSA Manager.
• Undertake training and continuous professional development, as and when needed, ensuring quality is at the forefront of everyone you do.
• Ensure SLC's Information Security Policy is adhered to in relation to SLC computer systems, reporting any breaches.
• Observe all HASAW rules and guidance, taking personal responsibility to report HASAW issues/incidents in relation to building, work place and people.
• Ensure student accounts are updated on all DSA related files, databases, Microsoft excel spreadsheets and Portal.
• Provide telephony support to the DSA Response Team answering call from DSA Stakeholders, Partners and Suppliers.

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Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• General administration and a general awareness of disabilities and the barriers that disabled students face.
• Experience of using ICT systems and Microsoft applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• GCSE Maths and English or equivalent.
• Strong relationship building and influencing skills.
• Strong decision making skills.
• Strong attention to detail.

Our client's objective is to make this is an enjoyable place for you to work - after all, you spend a lot of your time here. They offer a total rewards package that aims to look after your health and wellbeing, work-life balance, development along with the money in your pocket. Here's a flavour:

How you'll be rewarded:

• 36 days annual leave
• Range of flexible working options including flexi-time
• Option to buy or sell holidays at certain times of the year through Choices.
• Your wellbeing, support you with company sick pay, eye care, occupational health, access to counselling and personally tailored health management programmes.
• Never stop learning, Access to a wide range of training solutions through The Digital Learning Academy.
• Security for the future Four times your salary Life Assurance cover and a choice of pension schemes.