Note-Takers (Electronic) with Deaf & Disabled Students

Corporate Services

Equality Service, Disability Team

Note-takers (Electronic) with Deaf & Disabled Students

(Fixed term to 13 June 2010, precise hours of work to be arranged with the Department)

Applications welcome from internal candidates, ie Note-takers with Deaf & Disabled Students (manual note-taking)

University Grade 4 (£17,026-£19,645 p.a pro rata, ie starting at £9.35/hour)

Job ref 011085

Closing date Friday 11 September 2009, 12 noon.

Job Description

Responsible to:The Disability Coordinator with responsibility for the Note-taking Scheme, and with direction from deaf & disabled students.

Main Purpose:To produce typed notes in taught sessions, either to be read immediately by a student (‘live access’), or reviewed/edited and forwarded later in an appropriate format (‘summary notes’).

To support disabled students’ access to the learning environment by provision of note-taking services, good communication and associated record-keeping.

Key working contacts:Equality Service (professional and support staff), Academic Departments (module managers, teaching staff), and students.

Hours of WorkThese posts are zero-rated time-sheeted posts. This means there is no guaranteed minimum – the numbers of hours each week may vary, and will be arranged with the Department and note-taker.

Holiday EntitlementThe leave entitlement is 25 days (5 weeks), pro-rata for part time staff. In practice this means note-takers will be paid an additional allowance at the end of each month. In addition there is an average of 15 ½ days holiday a year for public holidays and days when the University is officially closed.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1. To attend lectures, seminars, labs and other taught sessions, using subject-specialist knowledge in both undergraduate and postgraduate level courses, and take accurate and appropriate notes for students to use as a live reference or as reliable record to support their learning.
2. Before a booked assignment - to prepare appropriately, for example by:

-Acquiring teaching materials, eg by downloading lecture notes from the University intranet or virtual learning environment;

-Preparing abbreviations and other shortcuts in the software package to be used, based on the academic/subject requirements of the session and the individual student’s needs;

-Identifying the student’s needs and preferences and so how to match these;

-Meeting the student in advance or at the booked session;

1. During the assignment - to create a set or ‘live access’ or summary notes in lectures, seminars and other taught sessions by:

-Typing directly onto a laptop or similar & using specialist software;

-Identifying when it is appropriate to take manual (handwritten) notes and diagrams, and be able to do this legibly, accurately and promptly.

1. After the assignment - to prepare the notes, as needed, for example by:

-Proofreading and editing/amending the typed notes,

-Checking content, eg by intranet research or contact with the lecturer;

-Transcribing the notes into appropriate format for the individual student (electronic, large print, summary notes, meeting style or content preferences)

-Delivering the notes to the student by in hard or electronic (e-mailed) copy.

1. To work within the Code of Practice for note-takers, and abiding by Service and University policies and procedures.
2. To create and maintain appropriate relationships with the Equality Service, teaching staff and students.
3. To communicate effectively and flexibly, selecting the appropriate method (eg e-mail, in writing, telephone, SMS text, face-to-face) and style, as appropriate to the audience, subject and purpose, including

-Dealing with confidential and sensitive information;

-Processing and communicating complex and specialist information;

-Keeping appropriate records and responding to requests for information;

-Remaining calm in challenging situations (with people exhibiting difficult behaviour or when under pressure)

1. To maintain a professional role, and be able to make well-informed judgements while working autonomously, while knowing when to refer issues to the Scheme Co-ordinator.
2. To keep accurate records and carried out associated admin tasks (including reading and responding to regular communications) as requested by the Scheme Co-ordinator and Service staff.
3. To contribute to the work of the Equality Service, by developing effective working practices, seeking and giving feedback.
4. To undertake relevant training (taught and self-directed) and attend meetings with the Disability Coordinator, as required.
5. Responsibility for technical aspects (after training), for example:

-The care and transport of IT equipment (eg 1 or 2 laptops, memory devices and peripherals) from storage to teaching venue and return;

-Trouble-shooting basic problems with Service’s or student’s equipment and software/wireless set up;

-Advising new students on the software’s user-features, including their responsibilities in terms of saving the work.

1. Health & safety responsibilities, including:

-Identifying suitable working arrangements, and take appropriate action if this is not available;

-Being able to advise others on correct use of the equipment;

-Alerting the Scheme Co-ordinator and Safety representatives of any issue requiring further guidance or action;

1. Other duties as agreed and commensurate with the grade.

Career Expectations

The University of Leeds is committed to developing its staff. All staff participate in the Staff Review and Development scheme and we continue to work with individuals supporting them to maximise their potential.

Progression to a higher grade is dependent on an individual taking on an increased level of responsibility. Vacancies that arise within the area or across the wider University are advertised on the HR website - - to allow staff to apply for wider career development opportunities.

Person Specification

Attributes / Essential / Desirable
Familiarity with the HE environments, ie physical environment and common types of teaching & learning activities for undergraduate study. / 
Academic knowledge and ability:
- ability to offer graduate or equivalent level knowledge in one or more subject disciplines;
- study at postgraduate level. /  / 
Excellent English skills, including:
- ability to understand a range of varieties of spoken English and across subject domains
- English GCSE Grade C or equivalent skills
- accurate spelling and grammar / 
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Effective note-taking skills, including:
- legible handwriting, including at speed and over time;
- ability to identify and précis key points; / 
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Typing skills, preferably a trained typist, including:
- speed of 60 words/min,
- able to listen and type accurately ‘live’ (audiotype) /  / 
Professional skills:
-ability to work confidentially and maintain impartiality;
-ability to demonstrate commitment and reliability;
-punctual, reliable;
-strong organisational skills and ability to maintain accurate record-keeping. / 
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Equalities:
-a basic knowledge of issues relating to equality and diversity – or the ability and desire to acquire this knowledge quickly.
-confidence in communicating with disabled people. /  / 
Technical skills:
-Good knowledge of word processing, basic ICT equipment and software, and willing to attend further training;
-Knowledge of Health and Safety Executive guidelines for VDU work and workstations (or ability to acquire this). /  / 
Excellent interpersonal skills:
-ability to communicate clearly;
-ability to form and maintain good working relationships with a wide range of people including students, professionals and colleagues;
-ability to work with tact and sensitivity, including with people in distress or in challenging situations / 
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Physical & sensory:
-ability to see the lecturer and read visual aids, and own laptop screen or paper to carry out the tasks outlined;
-ability to hear/understand spoken information and identify key facts
-ability to set up standard laptops and peripherals and carry out keyboard and handwriting tasks;
-ability to find way around campus and attend most University teaching spaces;
-ability to process new information quickly;
-ability to write/type notes at speed and over extended periods (but within Health & Safety guidelines);
-ability to copy simple diagrams and charts / 
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Availability:
Available for regular work during normal teaching hours and terms. / 
How to Apply
We encourage all applicants to e-mail their completed application forms to us and to complete the equal opportunities monitoring form on-line as this is the most efficient and environmentally friendly option available.
Send completed applications to: / xxxx
By: / xxxxx
Quoting Job Reference number: / 011085
If you have any difficulties in e-mailing and completing electronic versions of these forms, we are very happy to receive printed copies by post to xxxx, Disability Assistant, The Equality Service, Ground Floor Social Sciences Building, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT.
Applications should include the following:

• A completedapplication form. If you wish to download an application form allowing you to e-mail your application back please visit
• Equal Opportunities Monitoring form found online, please visit:

Disabled Applicants

If you are disabled, you may require adjustments to enable you to take up this post. If you would like to discuss any such adjustments, you are welcome to contact xxxx, Note-taking Scheme Co-ordinator (telephone +44 (0) 113 xxxx, or email xxxxto discuss this informally. Successful applicants, who have any access or support requirements to enable them to carry out their new role, will also be welcome to discuss these with their manager or with Human Resources once they take up employment at the University.

The Service is based in a shared office in the ground floor of our Social Sciences Building. The main office premises are accessible to disabled people, including wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments and people who are blind or partially-sighted. However this role involves working across the University in a range of teaching spaces, and potentially in external locations.

Disabled applicants are not obliged to inform employers of their disability but will still be covered by the Disability Discrimination Act once their disability becomes known.

Data Protection

The information you provide in your application will be used to consider your suitability for the post for which you have applied. If your application is not successful the information will be disposed of confidentially after 9 months. If your application is successful and you are appointed, your information and future data will be processed in accordance with the University's Data Protection Code of Practice. A copy of this code can be obtained from either the University's Human Resources Department or by visiting:

Health and Safety Responsibilities

You are required to adhere to and comply with the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act, related Regulations, and act in accordance with the University’s Policy on Health and Safety which can be accessed via:

In addition you are also required to co-operate with regard to the implementation of the Health and Safety arrangements and should not interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interest of Health, Safety and Welfare at Work.

For more information on the University and terms and conditions of appointments please visit