At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in a sensory room, promoting independence and emotional regulation.
- Company: Join Queen Alexandra College, a vibrant charity dedicated to special educational needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, wellness activities, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to fostering an inclusive community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 English & Maths, experience with SEN learners, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 18973 - 20646 £ per year.
Salary: £18,973.16 - £20,645.97 per annum (Pending pay award rise to be applied)
Hours: 32.5 hours
Weeks: 39 Weeks (Term Time Only)
Job Purpose: You will be responsible for promoting independence for our students in the sensory room and to support their regulation.
Key Responsibilities & Safeguarding:
- Support the OT and Sensory Coordinator to ensure the Sensory environment is suitable for students' sensory or support needs.
- Support the OT in the creation and preparation of differentiated resources.
- Recognising & Recording progress of students against their targets; specifically in relation to their sensory and physical needs.
- Understand the purpose and intent of the student’s Individual Positive Sensory Plans; including the techniques utilised to support their sensory and regulation needs.
- Participate in team meetings.
- Adaptable approach to the different social, emotional and regulation needs of our students.
- Understand disability theory & practical implementation of this to engage students in their sensory therapy.
- Adapt styles of communication to develop a positive and constructive therapeutic environment.
- Liaise and implement strategies from the Occupational Therapist.
- Support communication through the development of your own skills in communication methods (PECs/Makaton/BSL).
- Recognise the social and emotional needs of our students and adapt your support in line with the agreed strategies to support positive improvements.
- Contribute to the development and updating of Positive Sensory Plans and Risk Assessments, sensory related protocols and other sensory interventions/programmes.
- De-escalate behaviour that challenges in line with the positive behaviour support plan, utilising all training and CPI techniques where applicable.
- Undertake preventative work to reduce the likelihood of behaviour that challenges.
- To support the Positive Behaviour Team with radio calls where a student requires regulation support in the regulation zones.
- During unstructured time, ensure students are safely supported in the sensory room.
- Use technology to access information on students to ensure their support needs are met.
- Ability to talk to external professionals, families and carers, where directed to support students.
- Participate in personal education, including mandatory and skills development training.
- Actively engage with Peer Mentoring for yourself, along with new and existing colleagues.
Safeguarding Commitments: As part of our commitment to safeguarding, and in line with updated guidance published in September 2026, we will carry out an online search of all shortlisted candidates. This search may enable us to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and publicly available for review online, which we may wish to explore with you in further detail during the interview process. As part of your application we have asked you to provide the account names, usernames and/or handles for any social media platform that you use, as well as the names of any websites that you own, post on, or contribute to. A Google search will also be conducted. These checks will only be conducted if you are shortlisted for interview. Please see our safer recruitment and selection policy for further information. Under Section 7 of SVGA 2006 it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The College's Safeguarding Policies are available here. We are deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All required pre-employment checks will be undertaken, and offers of employment are subject to satisfactory outcomes. These include an enhanced DBS check with Children & Adult’s Barred List information, identity checks, online checks, and verification of professional qualifications and references. Further details are available in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise:
- Essential Criteria Level 2 – English & Maths (equivalent).
- Ability to communicate effectively with young adults with barriers to learning, including those who may present behaviours that challenge.
- Previous experience of SEN learners with moderate to severe learning difficulties and be able to provide the associated curriculum, approaches and strategies.
- Ability to communicate effectively with staff, parents, carers, and other external contacts, at all levels, using a variety of media.
- To be able to demonstrate therapeutic interventions as appropriate to people with visual impairment and autism and/or complex disabilities.
- Familiarity with communication methods and access technology as appropriate to learners with visual impairment and other disabilities.
- Experience of working effectively with young adults with barriers to learning.
- Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good IT skills, including word processing, Excel and Microsoft programmes.
Benefits:
Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of students with special educational needs? Do you thrive in an inclusive and supportive academic environment? If so, we want YOU to join our team. QAC has dealt with a period of swift growth and academic improvement and this is your opportunity to become part of a vibrant College that is moving forward and making a real difference to the lives and futures of our students. Queen Alexandra Charity offers you the chance to have a positive impact as you join a committed group of colleagues in ensuring that all students achieve their aims and aspirations. We are dedicated to providing exceptional education and support to students with diverse learning needs and life experiences. Our specialist setting fosters an inclusive community where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. QAC offers a vibrant, varied and enriching educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are designed to meet specific needs and support levels are high.
Joining our supportive team, you will have the opportunity to:
- Work closely with students with SEN to achieve their goals.
- Make a difference to the educational experience of young people.
- Be a voice for students and staff in specialist education.
- Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, promoting academic growth, self-development and self-confidence.
- Develop your own skills, aspirations and progress your career.
Our benefits include:
- Access to on-site car parking.
- Use of QAC Fitness Centre (subject to opening hours).
- Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice).
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Helpline (BHSF).
- Access to Education Support Free Helpline for Teachers & Education Staff.
- QAC Mental Health First Aiders & activities to support health and wellbeing.
- BHSF Benefits Package including Healthcare Plans, discounted shopping/services.
- Annual Flu vaccination/voucher.
- Access to other benefit/discount schemes (which may be subject to charge) e.g. Blue Light Card, TOTUM (NUS), Charity Worker Discounts, Discounts for Teachers.
- Dell Advantage programme - a free programme that offers savings to students, parents and all staff at QAC - up to 20% off.
- Health and Wellbeing Services (Occupational Health/Counselling).
- Free Tea/Coffee and Staff Room facilities.
- Dining Room facilities with hot/cold food (free meal provided for those supporting students at mealtimes).
- Additional discretionary concessionary/closure days as part of leave entitlement (including closure over Christmas/New Year period).
- Reward and Recognition Policy – Living the Values Awards (team & individual) and long service.
- Enhanced/Occupational paid leave e.g. maternity/paternity (subject to qualifying criteria).
- Occupational sick pay (based on length of service).
- On-site wellbeing activities (e.g. yoga, meditation).
- Support for training/CPD (either by way of study leave and/or funding).
- Flexible working arrangements including Flexible Working Policy Agreements, Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) in prior agreement with line manager.
This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to review and/or change.
Sensory Room Support Assistant in Birmingham employer: Queen Alexandra Charity
At Queen Alexandra College, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of students with special educational needs. Our vibrant and inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, offering numerous opportunities for training and development while ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported. Located in the heart of Birmingham, our college provides a dynamic environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally, all while contributing to a cause that truly matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sensory Room Support Assistant in Birmingham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Queen Alexandra Charity.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Queen Alexandra Charity!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Queen Alexandra Charity, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Queen Alexandra Charity or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Sensory Room Support Assistant in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Queen Alexandra Charity:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Queen Alexandra Charity! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Queen Alexandra Charity
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
