Creative Communication Partner

Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living; Gorebridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A local inclusive living center in Gorebridge seeks a creative communication partner for Lachlan, a non-verbal individual. The partner will assist Lachlan in using his eyegaze technology and explore his communication potential through a creative approach. The role is 6-8 hours weekly at £25 per hour, requiring problem-solving skills and a driving license. Interested candidates should contact Lachlan's sister via email.

Qualifications

• Own transport or driving license required.
• IT skills for programming communication page sets.
• Must be patient and able to work at Lachlan's pace.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lachlan in using his communication device.
• Set up communication page sets on software.
• Work regularly with Lachlan three times a week.

Skills

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Communication using AAC

Education

Background in communication or related field

Tools

Communicator 5 software

Job description

Rate of pay £25 per hour.

Lachlan is looking for a creative communication partner. He is based in Midlothian, aged 33 and is non‑verbal. He uses a yes/no system to communicate with his eyes and has been using eyegaze technology for the last 3 years.

He needs a creative communication partner to work alongside him to assist him to use his device fully. This isn’t a traditional teacher/student role, nor strictly a speech and language therapy role, but a creative communication role which will suit someone who can problem‑solve, and work with Lachlan as his partner in exploring his potential in communication.

This will include setting up communication page sets on Communicator 5 and problem solving with Lachlan as to the best way to lay out the system as well as regularly working with him 3 × per week.

Person Specification

Essential

• Own transport/driving licence. Lachlan lives 3 miles from nearest public transport. Please do not apply to this role if you do not have your own transport.
• IT skills essential: The role would include some programming time, there is a user‑friendly back end for programming page sets which is easily learned/navigated.
• Problem‑solving, adaptable skills: This role needs someone who is eager to learn and can problem‑solve. Lachlan needs someone patient, and who is working with him at his own pace.

Desirable

• A knowledge of AAC communication.
• A background in communication, this could be speech and language therapy/teaching/TEFL/CELTA/DELTA. Knowledge of communication boards could be useful.
• Awareness of the social model of disability.

We envisage this role to be 6-8 hours per week, 3 × 2 hours weekly. £25 per hour.

Please contact Lachlan's sister about this role by email - [e-mail]