Job Description: Support Worker – visual impairment

Reporting to:                       SLT

Location:                               Southsea, Portsmouth

Contract:                               Fixed Term – Funding approved to 31^st August 2023

Working Pattern:              Full Time/Term Time
Salary:                                   Ark Support Scale 4: Pay Points 3 – 7 £18,562 to £20,092 (pro rata)
Start Date:                            September 2021

Early application is encouraged as interviews will be held on a rolling basis and an appointment may be made prior to the closing date.

The Role

In this role you will support a member of our teaching staff with a vision impairment, and the wider school community, by supporting the staff member with all aspects of preparation and facilitation of lessons.

Key Responsibilities

·       Have a clear understanding of the individual teacher’s support needs and strategies and tailor the support to meet those needs

·       Ensure staff members are aware of any potential issues or concerns with children within the classroom regarding learning or behaviour

·       Work with students on an individual and/or small group basis, in lessons

·       Support with marking student work, data input, note taking and online training

·       Undertake roaming and break duties as sighted support for the staff member

·       Provide support as a sighted guide as required by the individual teacher

Other

·       Actively promote the safety and welfare of our children and young people

·       Ensure compliance with Arks data protection rules and procedures

·       Liaise with colleagues and external contacts at all levels of seniority with confidence, tact and diplomacy

·       Work with Ark Central and other academies in the Ark network, to establish good practice throughout the network, offering support where required

·       Assist the Principal in maintaining and developing all that is distinctive in our Church of England school

·       Participate fully in the Christian Life of the school

·       To ensure the Christian ethos, Academy vision and Christian values of the Academy are clearly articulated, shared, understood and acted upon effectively by all

·       Work within the individual PEEP in emergency situations such as fire or evacuation of the premises

·       Support staff members on occasions such as parent evenings and training events

This job description is not an exhaustive list and you will be expected to carry out any other reasonable tasks as directed by your line manager.

Person Specification: Support Worker – visual impairment

Qualifications

·       English and Mathematics GCSE at grade C or above (or equiv) is essential

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

·       Experience establishing successful learning relationships with students at the relevant age, treating them consistently with respect and consideration

·       Experience and/or understanding of the Learning support role

·       Experience of working with outside agencies and families (desirable)

·       Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents and multi-agencies partners

·       Knowledge and understanding of how to effectively implement particular strategies and routines to help students to improve their learning and to establish outstanding behaviour management

·       Good numeracy and literacy skills

·       Good administrative, organisational and computer skills

·       Experience of working with adults with a vision impairment is preferable although not essential

Behaviours

·       Genuine passion for and a belief in the potential of every pupil

·       A robust awareness of keeping children safe, noticing safeguarding and welfare concerns, and you understand how and when to take appropriate action.

·       Belief that every student should have access to an excellent education regardless of background

·       Professional outlook, detailed orientated and able to multi task and meet deadlines

·       A team player that can work collaboratively as well as using own initiative

·       Calm and professional under pressure

·       Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and discretion

·       Flexible attitude towards work and demonstrates sound judgement

Other

·       Right to work in the UK

·       Commitment to equality of opportunity and the safeguarding and welfare of all students

·       Willingness to undertake training

·       This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our academies.  In order to meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process. This process is outlined here, but can be provided in more detail if requested. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.