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- Tasks: Transform lives of those with sensory loss through expert assessments and support.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a forward-thinking council dedicated to inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and life assurance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience with sensory needs and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Supportive environment encouraging innovation and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Help transform the lives of people living with sensory loss in Reading. If you’re passionate about making a real difference, this is your chance to join a forward-thinking council committed to supporting residents with hearing, vision, or dual sensory loss. As a Specialist Sensory Needs Practitioner, you’ll be at the heart of our work –shaping services, providing expert assessments and ensuring people have the tools, support, and opportunities they need to live life to the fullest.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
We support hybrid working, it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.
About the Role
You will offer guidance and Sensory Needs expertise to colleagues across Adult Social Care, building strong links with health, education, employment, and voluntary sector partners.
You’ll carry out sensory needs assessments, including Level 3 assessments, and develop person-centred care and support plans that promote independence, choice, and wellbeing.
You’ll act as an advocate for individuals with sensory loss, championing accessibility, inclusion, and equality, while ensuring safeguarding principles are embedded in everything you do.
You’ll support individuals to access equipment, adaptations, and community resources, and help shape service improvements through collaboration and continuous learning.
What we’re looking for
- Experience working with people with sensory needs, in health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
- Strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills to support education and awareness of Sensory Needs across Adult Social Care and in the community.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- A Level 3 Specialist Deafblind Assessor Qualification (or willingness to work towards it).
- A commitment to equality, inclusion, and person-centred practice.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this.
- Work Together as one team – work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
- Drive Efficiency – show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
- Be Ambitious – be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
- Make a Difference to Reading – maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 33 days after 10 years\’ service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Shelley Abbott-Wood – Service Manager shelley.abbott-wood@reading.gov.uk
Closing Date: Sunday 16th November 2025
Interview Date: TBC
Visit: www.moretoreading.co.uk to find out more about Reading’s Community & Adult Social Care Services. It’s a chance to hear from the people who already work here and why they have chosen Reading as their professional destination.
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Specialist Sensory Needs Practitioner employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Sensory Needs Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the sensory needs field on LinkedIn or at local events. Building connections can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Reading Borough Council and their approach to sensory needs. Show them you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about their work and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Specialist Sensory Needs Practitioner, you’ll need to convey complex information clearly. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates there.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Sensory Needs Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you write your application, let your passion for making a difference shine through. We want to see how much you care about supporting people with sensory loss and how you can contribute to our mission at Reading Borough Council.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience working with individuals with sensory needs. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in assessments and person-centred care, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge about sensory needs and the specific challenges faced by individuals with hearing, vision, or dual sensory loss. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and best practices in the field, as this will show your passion and commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with people who have sensory needs. Think of specific examples where you've made an impact, whether in health, social care, or the voluntary sector. This will help demonstrate your capability and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to talk about how you've successfully worked in teams before. Highlight instances where you've built strong links with other professionals or sectors, and how that has led to better outcomes for individuals with sensory loss.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the council's approach to sensory needs or how they measure success in their services. Asking questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
