The Sensory Inclusion Service has a vacancy for a specialist teaching assistant for hearing / visual impairment, working 14.8 hours a week, term time.

We are a peripatetic service who support children and young people with sensory impairment from birth to school leaving age. Work is carried out primarily in homes, Early Years settings and schools.

This post will include working with children who are deaf / hearing impaired in Early Years settings in Cheshire East, focussed on developing communication skills; supporting children with visual impairment in schools to develop specific skills such as keyboard / touch typing skills; and supporting staff in school with modifications and access for children. It is a role which will include work for both the hearing and visual impairment teams, and it may also include any role around support for children and young people with sensory impairment.

The successful candidate will need to have an NVQ 4 or equivalent in childcare. A qualification in British Sign Language would be desirable, but it is not essential. Candidates should have experience of working with children and young people with SEND, including very young children, as well as experience working with families, schools and settings, and a range of other professionals. They should be committed to multi agency working, and to safeguarding children and young people. They should have a good knowledge of how children develop language, and of facilitating the development of communication, social skills, play and independence.

Candidates must be confident users of ICT, and able to learn how to deliver teaching around keyboard skills to children, and produce modifications on a laptop. Support will be provided as needed regarding hearing aids, communication approaches, and use of technology, software and teaching programmes.

Candidates should be able to work well as part of a team; have excellent interpersonal skills; and have a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with sensory impairment. Flexibility is also essential within this role. The successful candidate will be part of friendly and proactive team who are strongly committed to providing an excellent service for children and young people with sensory impairment. Staff on the team receive ongoing performance development and supervision. 

To find out more about the essential and desirable criteria for the role please view the attached job description specification document.

The post can be based in Macclesfield or Crewe, but the post holder may be required to travel anywhere over Cheshire East. A clean, current driving license and a vehicle will be required. 

In return we are able to offer:

• Salary sacrifice green car scheme - Drive green and save green! Lease a brand-new electric or hybrid car through our salary sacrifice scheme. There’s no credit checks, no deposits, just significant savings and exclusive offers on a three-year lease
• White goods salary sacrifice scheme - Upgrade your home with ease. Purchase home and electronic items through our salary sacrifice scheme, spreading the cost of big-ticket purchases like appliances, computers, and tech gadgets directly from your salary
• Enhanced public pension - Secure your future with our career average pension, where contributions are built at a rate of 1/49th of your yearly pensionable pay
• Cycle to work scheme - Save up to 25-39% on the retail price of bikes and safety equipment through Income Tax and National Insurance savings. Get fit and save money!
• Employee assistance programme - Access a completely free and confidential assistance service to help manage, reduce, and overcome life’s challenges, both at work and in your personal life
• Discounted gym membership - Stay active and healthy with corporate membership prices for Everybody Leisure, including:
• Gym, Swim and Group Fitness at all 16 facilities
• Off-Peak Racket Sports
• Athletics Tracks
• Sauna/Steam/Spa

Join us and experience a workplace that truly values and supports you!