VI Specialist Support Assistant

Vacancy Summary

Department of Children’s Services

Children’s Sensory and Physical Needs Team

 VI Specialist Support Assistant

Band 5/6 - £17,460 - £19,625 pa (Pro rated for part time posts)

3 x 32.5 hours per week (Term Time Only – 39 weeks)

Permanent  

Based at Hanson Academy Local Authority Led Resourced Provision for Vision Impaired Pupils

Vacancy Information

We are looking for enthusiastic, self-motivated colleagues to join our team of professionals to work with children with Vision Impairment at Hanson Academy, in the Local Authority Led Resourced provision (LARP). As a Vision Impairment Specialist Support Assistant, you will have the rewarding experience of supporting pupils to access learning across their distinctive areas of need. This will include supporting transition and developing the skills and experiences they need as part of their pathway to adulthood.  

We are looking for colleagues that have a solution focused approach to meeting the needs of our pupils. The current needs of the pupils within the RP include cognition and learning, social communication, medical and physical needs, and social, emotional and mental health needs.

Through a detailed induction programme and day to day experience in the role, you will develop a depth of knowledge about the pupils, and we encourage innovative approaches to meeting their needs. We are expanding the use of assistive technology to facilitate learning and promote the pupil’s independence therefore it is essential that the successful candidate has an aptitude and confidence in using technology such as an iPads, assistive technology, and various apps.

Braille continues to be a clear means of communication for vision impaired pupils, therefore experience of Braille is desirable and training with be accessible to develop skills as needed.

The LARP currently supports 17 pupils who have a vision impairment and a range of additional needs.

The post will be to work across the secondary age range, as all our staff are flexible and can be required to move classes as required.  

You will:

•  Undertake and implement work/care/support programmes with individuals/groups to enable access to learning for pupils and assist the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom. This will be under the direction of the RP QTVIs and Habilitation Officers.
•  Facilitate access to the curriculum and whole school environment for students with vision impairment.
• Provide detailed and regular feedback to teachers on pupils’ achievement, progress and problems.

Please be aware that this post is within the Children’s Sensory and Physical Needs Service. Although you will be initially based at Hanson Academy, you are employed by the service and can be moved to alternative provisions if required.

 For further information regarding this post please contact Jade Cracknell, Head of Service on 07890 971389 or via email at jade.cracknell@bradford.gov.uk or Barbara Moores Teacher in Charge LARP, Hanson Academy on 07977 590344 or via email at mooresb@hanson.org.uk

An enhanced disclosure check with the Disclosure and Barring Service will be undertaken for this post.

The Code of Practice on the English language requirement for public sector workers, Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 requires that Councils ensure that all candidates applying for customer facing posts must be assessed in order to establish their fluency in English.

 The criteria under special knowledge and experience on the job profile which is shown in this advert outlines what level of fluency you will be expected to demonstrate.  Therefore, it is essential that you provide examples in your application.

To apply, go to https://bradford.engageats.co.uk/Vacancies/W/7102/0/411533/15138/vi-specialist-support-assistant-573468

Closing Date: 12 noon, Monday 4th December 2023