Communication Support Worker - Vision Inclusion Team

Staffordshire County Council; Leek; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in the education sector is seeking a dedicated professional to support visually impaired children in the Leek area. This fixed-term role within the Vision Inclusion Team offers the opportunity to contribute to inclusive education, ensuring high-quality support tailored to individual needs. The successful candidate will assist teachers in delivering tailored learning experiences and maintaining specialized equipment while fostering an environment where every child can thrive.

Benefits

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Experience in an educational setting supporting vision-impaired students.
• Willingness to undertake qualification in UEB Braille.
• Ability to travel as needed within the county.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Service and class teacher in implementing the curriculum.
• Prepare bespoke learning materials using various formats.
• Liaise with parents and maintain written records of progress.

Skills

Experience supporting students with vision loss

Working knowledge of Grade 1 Braille

Passion for inclusion

Driver's license and access to a car

Tools

Braille embossers

Screen magnification software

Speech-to-text software

Job description

Based within a primary setting in the Leek area, you'll work within the education setting to support a high-quality, inclusive educational experience for children with vision loss.

This is a Fixed Term position for 19.5 hours per week from 1st September 2025 until 31 August 2026.

Our large centrally based Vision Inclusion Team consists of Specialist Teachers, Communication Support Workers, Mobility Officers, a VI Role Model, and an ICT Support Technician. We support children and young people aged 0-25 with a vision loss in various settings, including homes, nurseries, mainstream schools, colleges, and specialist provision. We maintain a strong commitment to multi-agency working, inclusive education, high standards of attainment, and quality of life experiences for all our pupils.

You'll be supporting a visually impaired/blind pupil and will be part of the Specialist Teaching Support Service.

Main Responsibilities

• Assist the Service and class teacher in implementing the pupil's curriculum.
• Carry out bespoke programmes of learning using the pupils' preferred formats (tactile learning aids, Braille, large print, or electronic files) and prepare/modify such materials in advance.
• Assist in implementing programmes of support designed by the Specialist Mobility Officer or ICT Teacher.
• Assist in maintaining and using specialist equipment (e.g., screen magnification, speech-to-text software, scanners, notetakers, Braille embossers).
• Liaise with the pupil's parents or guardians.
• Help the class and specialist teachers maintain written records of activities and progress, and contribute to reviews as needed.

The Ideal Candidate

• Experience supporting students with vision loss in an educational setting.
• Working knowledge of Grade 1 Braille and willingness to undertake a recognised qualification in UEB Braille and tactile learning.
• A passion for inclusion, enabling all children to flourish and grow.
• Willingness to work elsewhere as directed by the Head of Service and to travel countywide at short notice (driver's license and access to a car preferred).

You'll be supported to develop in this role by a qualified Teacher of the Vision Impaired.

For more details or an informal chat, please contact Donna McNaughton – Team Lead, Vision Inclusion Team at 01785 356830 / 0780 5826584 or [e-mail].

Closing Date: 29th June 2025
Interview Date: 4th July 2025

Employees must be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. An online search will be completed on all shortlisted candidates as part of safer recruitment.

About Staffordshire County Council

We are no ordinary county council. Our Values: The core of who we are as an organization, shaped by colleague feedback and best practices, emphasizing community spirit, ambition, and a future-focused outlook.

Our benefits include a supportive working environment and access to rewards and benefits detailed on our careers page.

Our recruitment process is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer, encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds. We offer a guaranteed interview for applicants meeting minimum criteria, and all positions are subject to criminal record checks.