Sensory Room Support Assistant

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, 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.
• To have 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.
• To be familiar 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.