At a Glance
- Tasks: Support learners with transitions into adulthood and personal care needs.
- Company: Join Sense College, a leader in inclusive education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days holiday, flexible working, and free training opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of individuals with complex needs.
- Qualifications: Experience with sensory impairments or learning disabilities is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 28000 £ per year.
Could you be an Education Sense Support Worker? We now have an opportunity for an Education Support Worker to join our Sense College in Selly Oak. This is a fixed term role, working 30 hours per week for 39 weeks per year (term time), due to end in July 2027. Working Monday to Friday, 9.00am and 4.30pm.
Your role is to prepare learners appropriately for the many possible transitions into adulthood. You will work closely with learners to achieve outcomes of their Education, Health and Care Plans. You will work within the framework of the Sense Values to:
- Keep the needs of the learners at the centre of your attention at all times;
- Enable learners to influence their services and the way they are supported;
- Help Sense to provide a high quality education experience;
- Support people with their personal care as a requirement of this role.
The duties are varied and no two days will be the same. The people we support are individuals and they are all treated as such. As a general guide, you may support with personal care needs, as well as help to take part in a wide range of special interests and activities that support their health and wellbeing.
Working at Sense gives you a wide range of benefits including:
- 24 days’ holiday + bank holiday entitlement; increasing with length of service
- Free DBS Check
- Free leadership and management development (such as our award winning Growing Stronger Leaders Together programme)
- Free access to over 100 online and face to face training including the care certificate.
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Health and well-being support
- Pension Scheme
Your required skills and experiences:
- Previous experience of working with people who have a sensory impairment, autism or learning disability would be an advantage, as would knowledge of BSL, Makaton or other methods of communication; however, training will be provided.
- It is essential that you are able to work effectively as part of a team whilst demonstrating your own initiative.
- You will have had experience of person centred planning, keeping records up to date and providing personal care.
- Level 2 (or equivalent) in English and Maths is an essential requirement for this role.
About Sense: Sense is here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. That's why we're committed to increasing the number of disabled people working across our organisation and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. We actively encourage disabled people to apply for our vacancies and believe that a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and talents makes us stronger.
We know there's always more we can do to become a truly inclusive employer, and we're working together to achieve that. Join us and help create the change thousands of disabled people with complex needs and families told us they want to see: a world without limits.
If you need us to adjust our recruitment process to help you access our vacancies, then please get in touch with a member of the talent acquisition team. We are a disability confident leader and commit to interviewing disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for a role.
For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they're given the opportunity to realise their potential.
We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and belief that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential.
Education support worker - 12 months FTC employer: Sense
At Sense, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values compassion and community engagement. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering training opportunities in British Sign Language and other essential skills. Located in the picturesque town of Whitland, Carmarthenshire, we provide a fulfilling environment where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with deafblindness while enjoying the beauty of the local area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Education support worker - 12 months FTC
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Sense, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Education support worker - 12 months FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Sense. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Sense. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sense
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Sense.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Education support worker - 12 months FTC role at Sense, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Sense that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
