Specialist Mentor - Autism Spectrum Conditions

About Impact Student Partners

Impact Student Partners is a specialist Non-Medical Help (NMH) provider supporting students in Higher Education through Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). We work in partnership with universities and colleges across the UK to provide high-quality support for students with mental health conditions, neurodivergence, specific learning differences, long term health conditions, and other disabilities.

Our mission is simple: to empower students to overcome barriers, build confidence, develop independence, and achieve their academic potential.

We believe exceptional support starts with truly understanding the individual. By taking the time to get to know each student's unique circumstances, strengths, challenges, goals, and preferences, we are able to provide genuinely personalised, one-to-one support that reflects their specific needs. This tailored approach helps students build sustainable strategies, develop confidence, and achieve meaningful progress throughout their university journey.

About the Role

Specialist Autism Mentors support students in Higher Education whose studies are impacted by Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). Students may experience barriers relating to organisation, planning, executive functioning, concentration, adapting to change, managing academic workloads, social communication, sensory sensitivities, and navigating the social and academic demands of university life. We are looking for ASC Mentors who can provide on Campus, face to face support at the University of Greater Manchester (and/or surrounding Institutions), as well as remotely. 

The purpose of the role is to provide highly specialised, one-to-one support that helps students identify and overcome barriers to learning. Through a person-centred and strengths-based approach, you will work collaboratively with students to develop practical strategies that improve confidence, independence, engagement, and academic success.

Every student is different, and no two support plans are the same. A key part of the role involves building a strong professional relationship with students, understanding their individual experiences, learning preferences, strengths, challenges, and aspirations, and adapting your support accordingly. By providing tailored interventions and personalised strategies, you will empower students to navigate university life with greater confidence and autonomy.

This is not a counselling or therapeutic role. Instead, you will focus on supporting students to manage the impact of their disability on their studies while encouraging independence, self-advocacy, resilience, and effective problem-solving. Where appropriate, you may also signpost students to relevant university services and support networks.

Pay and Benefits

• £39.00 per hour (including £4.22 per hour holiday pay, rolled-up rate), workplace pension scheme, CPD, peer networking and mentoring opportunities and you’re your own dedicated consultant.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver Specialist Autism Mentor sessions in accordance with DSA guidance and Impact Student Partners' quality standards.
• Develop tailored support strategies based on each student's Needs Assessment Report, individual circumstances, strengths, challenges, and agreed outcomes.
• Build positive and effective professional relationships that encourage engagement, confidence, and independence.

Support students with:

• • Motivation and goal setting.
  • Time management, organisation, planning, and prioritising workloads.
  • Developing executive functioning skills.
  • Managing deadlines and academic responsibilities.
  • Creating effective study routines and learning strategies.
  • Building confidence and self-advocacy skills.
  • Navigating social situations and peer relationships.
  • Adapting to change and managing university expectations.
  • Understanding and managing sensory and environmental challenges.
  • Improving focus, concentration, and engagement.
  • Developing independence, resilience, and problem-solving skills.
• Maintain accurate and timely records, including session reports and support documentation.
• Identify and appropriately escalate safeguarding or wellbeing concerns in line with company procedures.
• Represent Impact Student Partners in a professional manner and comply with all company policies and procedures.
• Participate in supervision, training, peer networking sessions, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Essential Requirements

Applicants must:

Hold a degree qualification.

Have completed recognised adult autism training, including either:

- The six National Autistic Society (NAS) online training modules and the National Autistic Society (NAS) Autism and SPELL in Higher Education course; or

- The 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.

Be able to provide both online and face-to-face support.

Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Be able to work independently while managing their own workload.

Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times.

Be committed to inclusive practice and equal opportunities in education.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience mentoring or supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
• Experience working within Higher Education or supporting university students.
• Previous mentoring, coaching, teaching, support work, or disability support experience.
• A strong understanding of the barriers autistic students may experience within an academic environment.
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.
• The ability to provide empathetic, non-judgemental, and student-centred support.
• Experience delivering support online using virtual platforms.
• A commitment to promoting equal opportunities in education.

Why Join Impact Student Partners?

At Impact Student Partners, we know that effective student support is not about applying a standard approach. It is about understanding the individual behind the referral.

We are committed to delivering support that is genuinely personalised, taking the time to understand each student's unique strengths, challenges, aspirations, and preferred ways of working. By building meaningful professional relationships and providing tailored, one-to-one interventions, our Specialist Autism Mentors help students overcome barriers, increase confidence, develop independence, and achieve lasting positive outcomes.

Join Impact Student Partners and help transform students' university experiences through meaningful, personalised support that enables them to thrive at university, realise their strengths, and achieve their ambitions both during their studies and beyond.