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- Tasks: Support children and young people with vision impairment to achieve their educational goals.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in Hertfordshire's SEND Specialist Advice and Support Service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with vision impairment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in teaching or advisory roles.
The predicted salary is between 32916 - 52490 £ per year.
Starting Salary: £32,916 - £52,490 pa pro rata plus SEN – Hertfordshire locally agreed teachers minimum and upper pay range.
Hours: 32.5 and 26 hours.
Location: Hertfordshire – based in either Hemel Hempstead or Stevenage.
Contract Type: Permanent.
Directorate: Children’s Services.
About The Team
Would you like to make a difference to the lives of children and young people in Hertfordshire? This is an exciting opportunity to join the SEND Specialist Advice and Support Service (SEND SAS), which currently has a vacancy for a Specialist Advisory Teacher (Qualified Teacher of Children and Young People with Vision Impairment – QTVI). The SEND SAS teams work with babies, children and young people with a range of special educational needs. In this role you can enjoy the support of a very experienced and dedicated team working together to improve outcomes for CYP with Vision Impairment.
About The Role
This role is peripatetic, working with babies, children and young people with vision impairment (CYPVI) aged 0‑25 years, their families and educational settings (Early Years/School/College) to facilitate provision and enable best outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure that the educational and developmental progress of CYPVI is met, in line with the Hertfordshire Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Strategy and HCC’s strategic objectives.
- Hold your own caseload, organise visits and write reports.
- Collaborate with specialists within our team and other agencies – each day is different.
- Work with parents/carers and health professionals from the point of diagnosis to support vision and/or tactile development, language development, social/emotional wellbeing and independence skills.
- Provide effective high‑quality advice and support to children, young people, their families and educational settings, including the development, delivery and evaluation of training packages.
About You
Essential
- Educated to degree level, hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Extensive years’ experience of relevant and successful teaching experience, including recent classroom experience and practical knowledge in the area of vision impairment, or be employed within an advisory service.
- Knowledge of SEND legislation and Education Health Care Plans.
- Committed to safeguarding, inclusion and continued professional development.
- Willingness to undertake and attain the mandatory qualification to teach children and young people with vision impairment.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Proficient in ICT.
- Ability to work independently and contribute as part of the wider team within the service.
- Well‑organised and able to meet deadlines.
- Full UK driving licence and regular access to a vehicle, or ability to travel independently.
Desirable
- Hold the mandatory qualification to teach children and young people with vision impairment or be in the final year of working towards this qualification.
The Vision Impairment Team welcomes applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds. Hertfordshire champions equality and fairness. We are a Disability Confident employer, and we encourage people to contact us using their chosen communication method. We can offer you a friendly, supportive working environment, a full induction and ongoing professional development. If this seems like the opportunity for you, we would welcome your application.
Interview Dates: w/c 18th May (in person).
To hear more about this opportunity please contact Rebecca Payne at rebecca.payne@hertfordshire.gov.uk or Sharon Hill at sharon.hill@hertordshire.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role.
Additional Information
- This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
- Driving required – the ability to drive and/or travel independently around Hertfordshire.
- English fluency – the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential.
Specialist Advisory Teacher employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Advisory Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those involved with SEND. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in vision impairment education. Show us you’re passionate about making a difference and have a solid understanding of the challenges faced by children and young people with vision impairment.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to your experience with SEND legislation and working with families. We want to see how you can apply your knowledge in real-life scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making a positive impact in Hertfordshire.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Advisory Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the role of a Specialist Advisory Teacher. We want to see how your background in teaching and knowledge of vision impairment can make a difference!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people with vision impairment shine through. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a positive impact in their lives, so share your motivation in your cover letter!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to join our SEND SAS team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of vision impairment and the specific needs of children and young people with these challenges. Familiarise yourself with the Hertfordshire SEND Strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their objectives.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your teaching career that highlight your success in supporting children with vision impairment. Think about times when you've collaborated with families or other professionals, as this role requires strong teamwork skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the SEND SAS team and their approach to supporting children and young people. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment
Be ready to discuss your commitment to safeguarding and inclusion. Share any professional development you've pursued related to special educational needs, especially in vision impairment, to show you're dedicated to continuous learning and improvement.