Specialist Support Worker

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

Job summary

A local education authority in North East England is seeking a Specialist Support Worker to assist deaf children in educational settings. The role involves supporting pupils both in-class and in smaller groups, under professional guidance. Ideal candidates will have relevant qualifications and a commitment to integrating children with special educational needs. A supportive hybrid working model is offered, alongside a range of attractive benefits.

Benefits

27 days holiday per year

Flexible working options

Hybrid working model

Learning and development opportunities

Employee Benefits Portal

Qualifications

• NNEB, Cache Level 3, BTEC Diploma in Childhood Studies or NVQ level 3 in Childcare.
• Experience of supporting small groups of deaf pupils.
• Willingness to learn British Sign Language.

Responsibilities

• Support deaf children in classroom and small groups.
• Work under the guidance of a specialist teacher.
• Adapt to flexible working across primary and secondary settings.

Skills

British Sign Language (level 1 minimum)

Experience with Special Educational Needs

Understanding of supporting deaf pupils

Education

NNEB, Cache Level 3, BTEC Diploma in Childhood Studies

Job description

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

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

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.

For further information about the post please contact Gemma Scott (Deaf and Hearing Support Team Lead) on 07766070042 or via email at [e-mail]

WHAT WILL I NEED?

• 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.

Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.

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.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Take a closer look: Rewards and Benefits

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HYBRID WORKING (if applicable)

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

INTERVIEWS

It is anticipated that interviews will be held week commencing 13th October 2025.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

HOW TO APPLY

In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.

Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.

If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email [e-mail] or telephone [phone] selecting option 2 for CYPS.

We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice.

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