Specialist Support Officer
Location: Sunderland
Salary: £25,657 per annum pro rata
Post Type: Part Time Term Time
Hours per Week: 32
Weeks per Year: 38
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 23.59 BST on Monday 01 September 2025
Reference: 0583-25
About EPNE
At EPNE our ‘purpose’ is our north star. It is what we expect of ourselves every single day and why we ask all staff to keep our purpose front and centre in all that they do.
Our Purpose is to “unlock potential, create opportunities, and transform lives through outstanding education, skills and training”. Rooted in our transformative power, it communicates our work in tackling inequalities, removing barriers, and improving the life chances of the people and communities we serve.
We nurture our very special culture. Our unifying values framework “The actions we take the choices we make - The actions I take the choices I make” represents the character of our college group, and are grounded in the belief that every action, by every individual, contributes to our success. This why we encourage empowered individuals, personal accountability and growth.
Building on our remarkable past, creativity and pioneering spirit, we are moving forward with courage into the future, improving what we do, remaining action-orientated, and innovating to make an exceptional difference for the world we live in. Shaping futures for a better tomorrow, join our changemaking community now.
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritize cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
About The Candidate
We are seeking to appoint a skilled practitioner to develop, continually improve and promote our ambitious vision for excellence in supporting students with special educational needs (SEND) within the Directorate of Inclusive Learning at Sunderland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form. We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate a breadth of knowledge and experience around Exam Access Arrangements and JCQ regulations and hold a teaching qualification and a Post Graduate Award of Proficiency in Assessment for Access Arrangements.
About The Role
As a Specialist Support Officer, you will contribute to the College Operational Guidelines for the identification and referral of students who require Exam Access Arrangements (EAAs). You will carry out appropriate assessments in line with JCQ regulations to identify suitable EAAs for referred students. Responsibilities of the role include the delivery of support to students with SEND who require specialist provision and support curriculum staff in the planning and delivery of differentiated teaching, learning and assessment strategies to meet learner needs through the College’s “Graduated Response” process.
Role Responsibilities
* To contribute to the assessment process of learners for Exam Access Arrangements
* To deliver specialist support to learners with SEND
* To maintain appropriate records and documentation.
* To maintain appropriate continuing professional development and general aspects of role.
* To support Curriculum Staff in the development of learning support strategies
Qualifications
* Appropriate degree or equivalent/relevant vocational qualification
* Teacher qualification
* PAPPA qualification or commitment to work towards
* GCSE Maths/English
Essential Skills & Experience
* Demonstrate successful achievement of supporting learners with learning difficulties and disabilities to achieve
* Proven ability to interact effectively with all members of the college community (Parents, employers, staff, learners and stakeholders)
* Demonstrate the ability to provide support to the curriculum, within the full range of FE and HE delivery including WBL
What’s in it for you?
Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritizes your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
* Enjoy a generous holiday allowance (35-48 days per year, plus public holidays).
* Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
* LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 23.68%)
* Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
* We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
* Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
* Free parking on most campuses.
* Free Gym access available at Bede Campus
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.
We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Please contact Michael Hall - Director Inclusive Learning, michael.hall@sunderlandcollege.ac.uk should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.
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