Specialist Support Worker

Durham County Council; Belmont; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Belmont is seeking a Specialist Support Worker to assist deaf children and young people primarily in educational settings. The ideal candidate will have relevant childcare qualifications and experience supporting deaf pupils. The role includes a hybrid working model. Competitive salary and benefits are offered, including generous holiday leave and a Local Government Pension Scheme.

Benefits

Competitive salary

27 days holiday, increasing to 32 days

Access to Employee Assistance Scheme

Discounted gym membership

Wide range of learning opportunities

Qualifications

• Relevant qualifications in Childcare and Educational Studies are required.
• Experience in supporting deaf children in an educational setting is preferred.
• Willingness to learn British Sign Language is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils within the classroom and in small groups.
• Work flexibly across primary and secondary settings.
• Assist under the guidance of a specialist teacher.

Skills

British Sign Language (level 1 minimum)

Experience with Special Educational Needs

Experience with deaf pupils

Education

NNEB/CACHE Level 3/BTEC Diploma in Childhood Studies/NVQ level 3

Job description

Overview

We are seeking to appoint a Specialist Support Worker for deaf children and young people to work mainly within our resourced provisions (Enhanced Learning Provisions) in County Durham. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting pupils within the classroom as well as in 1:1 or small groups under the guidance of the specialist teacher. You will be based in the primary provision initially but may be asked to work flexibly across our primary, secondary and outreach settings.

Hybrid working

Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services. We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job. As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process. Take a closer look: Equality Diversity and Inclusion in our Workforce

Requirements

• NNEB, Cache Level 3, BTEC Diploma in Childhood Studies or NVQ level 3 in Childcare and Educational/Early Years and Education, or working towards these qualifications
• Experience of, or a demonstrable awareness and interest in, supporting individuals or small groups of deaf pupils within primary or secondary schools
• Experience of working with children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities in a mainstream setting
• British Sign Language (level 1 minimum) or a willingness to learn
• If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

Role Details

1 x Full Time, Permanent - Grade 6 Term Time Plus 2, 1 x 0.6 22.2 hrs per week, Permanent - Grade 6 Term Time Plus 2

Rewards and Benefits

• Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
• Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
• Hybrid working (home and office working).
• Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
• Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
• Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
• Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
• Discounted DCC gym membership.
• Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
• Trade Union membership.
• A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.