The Trinity Disability Service (DS) is committed to providing modern, dynamic, innovative, integrated, high-quality, and cost-effective frontline services that make a real difference to the Trinity community.
Our objectives are achieved through continuous review, innovative approaches to service delivery, and maximising partnerships to enhance inclusion and accessibility.
The DS works collaboratively with students with disabilities, mature students, and those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, co-producing activities that engage the University community in fostering an inclusive and transformational learning environment.
The service also seeks to create pathways for equitable participation and success for all students, regardless of background.
The Specialist Learning Support Officer will be a key team member driving the DS agenda in Trinity.
The DS operates a multi-disciplinary approach with experienced professionals, including Disability Officers (psychologists and occupational therapists), an Assistive Technologist, and a Student Support team, all dedicated to delivering high-quality, individualised supports.
The role requires an individual who can contribute to achieving the mission, vision, and values of the Trinity Disability Service Strategic Plan
The Specialist Learning Support Officer will report to the Disability Support Manager and is responsible for delivering high-quality academic supports to students with disabilities, mature students, and those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds within Trinity College Dublin and its associated Colleges.
Informal enquiries about this post should be made to Declan Reilly at .
Main Responsibilities There are three key elements in this role: One to One Academic Support, Subject Specific Group supports and Administration, as outlined below: One to One Academic Support Provide Specialist Learning support and academic coaching to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Provide individual supports to students including executive function skills, management of workload, organisation and planning, academic writing, structuring and presenting academic work, referencing, study skills, and college success strategies.
Collaborate with faculty and DS staff to develop tutorial support that will promote successful outcomes for the students in college.
Facilitate learning by identifying, developing and disseminating helpful, updated print and digital resources relevant to subject areas e.g.
thesis / dissertation templates, reflective writing, arts and scientific writing.
Engage in tutoring evaluations and assess student learning outcomes from workshops and individual sessions to measure the impact of learning interventions and improve service effectiveness.
Create a welcoming environment to tutoring sessions by modelling student-centred behaviour and mentoring peers to adopt similar approaches.
Support students in navigating the complexities of academia, including adapting to learning environments that may not have been designed with their needs in mind.
Work closely with faculty and DS staff to develop tailored tutorial support that promotes academic success and engagement for students facing learning barriers.
Foster a welcoming and inclusive tutoring environment that prioritizes intersectional approaches to learning and student support.
Group Supports Delivergroup academic support sessions focused on executive function skills, workload management, organisation and planning, academic writing, structuring and presenting academic work, referencing, and study strategies.
Design and conducttailored workshops that empower students to become independent and confident learners, particularly for those transitioning from underrepresented educational backgrounds.
Partner with theTrinity Access Programme (TAP) to oversee the development of subject-specific group supports (e.g., maths, economics) and share resources forstudents with disabilities, mature students, TAP Foundation Programme students,andHEAR (Higher Education Access Route)students.
Administration Update the DS Student Information Desk/Case Management system after each student intervention and ensure statistics on activities are recorded in a timely manner.
Maintain accurate student progress records and input these into the DS record system.
Engage in professional CPD opportunities including a continuous review of emerging research and evidence base in educational psychology.
Keep up to date with all relevant legislation and statutory requirements.
Adhere to Trinity Disability Service processes, policies, and guidelines.
Attend DS staff meetings and case management meetings.
Collaborate with students, staff and external organizations in intervention planning and the provision of support and advice.
Seek advice and assistance from other DS staff or the Disability Supports Manager regarding any assigned student cases or issues that prove to be beyond the scope of your professional competence in line with principles of best practice, clinical governance, and policy.
Professional qualifications and skills Degree in a Relevant Field (or equivalent professional experience) - Education, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Assistive Technology, or a related field.
Equivalent experience in a disability support setting may be considered in place of formal qualifications.
Masters degree in psychology preferred.
Accreditation in Student Support & Assistive Technology - Dyslexia support training (e.g., PATOSS, British Dyslexia Association) desirable.
Previous experience in a teaching or tutoring role / context.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students.
Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously Patience, empathy, and a commitment to providing high-quality support to all students.
Demonstrated experience of working with traditional and non-traditional college students and students with disabilities is preferred.
Professional membership e.g.
Psychological Society of Ireland, British Psychological Society desirable.
Specialist knowledge and training in neurodiversity.
Experience utilising Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook) to generate reports, create documents and/or manage schedules.
Experience in using assistive technology and other specialised learning tools.
Experience utilising online meeting systems e.g.
Teams / Zoom and other online learning tools.
Person Requirements The role-holder will require the following knowledge, skills and attributes for successful performance in the role.
Personal attributes specific to this role include: A strong student focus, good listening skills and empathy.
Commitment to continuing professional development.
Flexibility and openness to change.
A strong sense of collaboration and desire to contribute to the creation and maintenance of a positive team spirit.
Is resourceful and can work under own initiative, know where to find information/help and can problem solve.
Ability to evaluate information and make effective decisions in relation to supporting students Be able to foster good working relationships; is known as someone who is helpful to others Be convincing and confident when speaking to others; come across as welcoming and approachable in manner.
Can identify a problem and propose a solution.
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills required.
Patience and the ability to work collaborate and work well in teams.
Experience with college student population, non-traditional populations, college clubs and societies.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from individual students, student groups, and the public.
At Trinity, we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Trinity welcomes applications from all individuals, including those applicants with disabilities, those who may have had non-traditional career paths, those who have taken time out for reasons including family or caring responsibilities.
We also welcome international applicants including those whom have been displaced due to war.
Trinity College Dublin is Irelands premier University.
We are an EU Sustainable Gender Equality Champion and we hold an Athena Swan Silver award, recognising our ongoing work to advance gender equality both within Trinity and in the Higher Education sector.
Trinity is committed to supporting work-life balance and to creating a family-friendly working environment.