About ARU:
ARU is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research. ARU holds a Gold award for the quality of its education, awarded through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
ARU's research institutes and four faculties bridge scientific, technical and creative fields. We deliver impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities. Our academic excellence has been recognised by the UK's Higher Education funding bodies, with 16 of our research areas assessed as world leading. We are the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the East of England, and we are also among the UK's leading universities for degree apprenticeship provision, working with hundreds of employers across the UK.
At our ARU Writtle campus, we specialise in animal, environmental, agricultural and horticultural courses, for learners aged 16 to 18, adult learners, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
At Writtle College, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and inspiring learning environment. You'll be part of a dedicated team that values the diverse needs of our learners and works hard to remove barriers to success.
We offer:
* Ongoing training and CPD opportunities
* A welcoming and inclusive college environment
* Supportive management and experienced SEN colleagues
* Opportunities to grow your skills in both communication support and broader learning support roles
About the Role:
Are you passionate about inclusive education and skilled in British Sign Language (BSL)?
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Communicator with a minimum of Level 2 in BSL, will have a degree or be part qualified in a relevant professional qualification degree level appropriate to the specific role being appointed to or demonstrable appropriate level of experience and evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the role, to join our vibrant Additional Learning Support team at Writtle College.
This rewarding role combines BSL communication with wider learning support responsibilities, enabling you to make a direct and positive impact on the educational experience of our diverse learners.
You will play a vital role in enabling students with hearing impairments or communication needs to access education and participate fully in learning environments. Working closely with teaching staff, support teams, and external professionals, ensuring that communication barriers are minimised and that students are supported in achieving their academic and personal goals.
Providing tailored support to students, which may include British Sign Language (BSU interpretation, notetaking, speech-to-text services, or other communication strategies suited to individual needs. Work collaboratively with lecturers to adapt lesson delivery and ensure that learning materials are accessible. You will also contribute to the development and review of support plans, liaising with the Learning Support Team and Learning Support Team Leader to monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.
In addition to classroom support, you will foster positive relationships with students, encouraging independence, confidence, and self-advocacy. Maintaining professional boundaries while offering empathetic and respectful support, promoting inclusion and equal opportunities across all aspects of college life.
This is a rewarding role for someone passionate about inclusive education and skilled in supporting learners with diverse communication needs.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide BSL communication support to students who are Deaf or hearing impaired, ensuring full access to teaching, learning and enrichment activities.
* Offer tailored learning support to students with a range of Special Educational Needs (SEN), including:
* Hearing impairments
* Vision impairments
* Students with High Needs Funding (HNF)
* Neurodiverse learners (e.g. Autism, ADHD)
* Work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, liaising with tutors, support staff and external professionals to ensure inclusive and accessible provision.
* Support students in both classroom settings and on a one-to-one basis, adapting materials and communication methods to meet individual academic and pastoral needs.
* Promote independence, confidence, and academic progress among supported students.
What we are looking for:
* Level 2 in British Sign Language (BSL) – essential
* Experience working with learners with SEN and/or disabilities – desirable
* A supportive, proactive, and flexible approach to working with young people in an educational setting
* Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
* A commitment to safeguarding and promoting student welfare
Informal enquiries can be made to Beth Dean, Learning Support Team Leader at
Find out more about working with us and how we recruit.
We have an agile working culture and offer an extensive range of benefits including generous holiday entitlement, occupational pension schemes, training and development opportunities, travel to work scheme and a competitive relocation package. Visit our benefits page for full details.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that ARU will carry out online searches as part of the due diligence on short listed candidates.
All appointments at ARU Writtle are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced criminal records with Children's Barred List check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Further information can be obtained from
This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide.
We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We have a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Committed to being inclusive and open to discuss flexible working.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.
Guidance Notes:
Please download the Job Description Person Specification for key requirements. To apply, demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the criteria.
Job Category
Administrative
Vacancy Type
Permanent
Employment Type
Non standard year
Salary From
£31,236 Per Annum, Pro Rata
Salary To
£36,636 Per Annum, Pro Rata
Location
Writtle
Faculty/Prof Service
Writtle College
Ref No
3664
Closing Date
08/10/2025