At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex needs in their learning and personal development.
- Company: Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy, a nurturing environment for students and staff.
- Benefits: Make a real difference, professional development, and supportive community.
- Other info: Flexible working options and access to employee benefits.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help children thrive in a warm, inclusive setting.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with complex needs preferred, but training provided.
The predicted salary is between 25185 - 25185 £ per year.
You will be working with a supportive team, collaborating with professionals from a wide range of backgrounds to meet the physical, medical, sensory and emotional needs of children aged 3 to 16 with complex needs. The role is offered for 32.5 hours per week for 39 working weeks (term time plus one week) and is a fixed‑term maternity cover. Part‑time hours are also accepted.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist students individually or in small groups with learning, physical, medical and personal care.
- Provide exceptional care, guidance and support to enable pupils to thrive and make progress in their personal development.
Qualifications
- Experience working with children with complex physical, medical or sensory needs (preferred but not essential). Full training will be provided.
Benefits
- The chance to make a real difference to the lives of children with complex needs and their families.
- A warm and personable working environment that supports close relationships with the wider school community.
- Access to a wide range of professional development opportunities, including CPD on the latest thinking around teaching and learning.
- Access to the Trust‑wide employee benefit scheme.
- Free onsite parking.
- Supportive working environment within an academy focused on staff well‑being.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension scheme.
How to Apply
Complete your application on My New Term. Contact Email: hr@thomaswolseyoa.co.uk
Legal and Safeguarding
Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Flexible working opportunities will be considered. All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
Special Support Assistant in Ipswich employer: Suffolk County Council
At Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our team collaborates closely to provide meaningful support to children with complex needs, ensuring that every staff member has access to professional development opportunities and a strong focus on well-being. Located in Ipswich, our academy offers a warm community atmosphere, free onsite parking, and the chance to make a significant impact in the lives of our students and their families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Support Assistant in Ipswich
✨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 Suffolk County Council, 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 Special Support Assistant in Ipswich
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 Suffolk County Council. 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 Suffolk County Council. 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 Suffolk County Council
✨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 Suffolk County Council.
✨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 Special Support Assistant role at Suffolk County Council, 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 Suffolk County Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
