Overview
We have a vacancy in our VI department to support pupils with a vision impairment at KS3/KS4 in a mainstream context, and support them across the curriculum. The role involves providing support in the classroom, preparing/modifying resources, supporting social and emotional development, and assisting with integration into a mainstream secondary school. Full training will be provided on all school systems and on responsibilities related to vision impairment support. There are opportunities for professional development and potential accreditation in Braille.
Responsibilities
* Provide support for pupils with a vision impairment within the classroom. Full training will be given.
* Prepare/modify resources for pupils with a vision impairment, including:
o Modification of large print materials using Microsoft Office software within a specific subject area, in co-operation with the subject and specialist teachers of the vision impaired
o Adapt diagrams for large print and tactile users
o Re-align original text for photocopy enlargement
o Modify text to braille (once training has been completed)
* Support the social and emotional development of pupils with a vision impairment.
* Assist and support pupils with a vision impairment to fully integrate into a mainstream secondary school.
* Support individual pupils in developing to achieve their personal best and motivate and encourage pupils appropriately, adhering to a professional approach.
* Provide written contributions for reports, PIPs (Personalised Information Plan) and EHCP (Education and Health Care Plan) reviews. Full training will be given on this.
* Provide ongoing feedback to the Manager of the Resource for effective support of individuals.
* Assist in keeping records and the maintenance of materials and equipment.
* Attend weekly VI Team Meetings, full staff meetings and Curriculum Team Meetings when necessary.
* Undertake any duties reasonably regarded as within the duties of the post as defined.
What the school offers
The VI Liaison Support Assistant (VILSA) will have the opportunity to develop specific skills in an identified area of the curriculum. There will be an opportunity to learn Braille and acquire a qualification. Training will be ongoing and there will be many opportunities to increase personal knowledge and professional development in the education and social and emotional support of pupils with a vision impairment, to achieve their full potential within a mainstream school setting. This post provides good opportunities for career progression and previous experience is not essential. Candidates must have proven literacy and numeracy skills, equivalent to GCSE grade C and above. A working knowledge of Braille and/or the modification of resources for large print users is desirable but not essential as training will be given. There will also be the opportunity to gain accreditation in Braille and related skills to support pupils with a vision impairment. The ideal candidate should demonstrate resilience, initiative, patience, and a passion for working with and assisting young people to learn.
Qualifications and skills
* Candidates must have proven literacy and numeracy skills, equivalent to GCSE grade C and above.
* Be a strong team player as a member of an established support team, working towards the full integration of pupils with a vision impairment.
* Work independently and with initiative.
* Work alongside the class teacher in the support of pupil(s) with a vision impairment.
* Support in alternative study periods/curricular activities for individual pupils, aiding development of whole-school independence and raising standards of achievement.
* Occasionally support pupils with a vision impairment on out-of-hours educational visits, sporting locations, etc.
* Invigilate internal and external exams under JCQ examination guidelines. Full training will be given on this.
* Be professionally discrete and able to respect confidentiality on all issues.
* Have a professional and positive attitude at all times.
* Have good communication skills and be able to clarify and explain instructions clearly.
* Understand the implications of an individual pupil's vision impairment.
* Have well-developed interpersonal skills and a sense of humour to support positive working relationships within the school environment.
* Desirable:Working knowledge of Braille and/or modification of resources for large print users; training will be provided if needed.
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