Could you be an Education Sense Support Worker?

We now have an opportunity for an Education Support Worker to join our Sense College in Knapwell.

This is a Fixed term temporary contract for up to 21 hours a week, until the end of academic year in July 2025. The shift pattern is 9.15 to 4.15 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with no shift work, weekends or evenings.

Your role is to prepare learners appropriately for the many possible transitions into adulthood.  You will be supporting them in a wide range of education activities that use a person centred approach tailored to learner needs and interests. Programmes focus on developing communication and independent living skills, using the Sense Curriculum Framework to plan individualised targets and objectives that result in achievement and significant outcomes. You will work closely with learners to achieve outcomes of their Education, Health and Care Plans, working 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 experienceSupporting people with their personal care is 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.

Does this sound right for you?

Working at Sense gives you a wide range of benefits including:24 days’ holiday + bank holidays; increasing with length of serviceFree DBS CheckFree 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.On-going development opportunitiesFlexible working and family friendly policiesEmployee referral schemeHealth and well-being supportPension SchemeDiscount 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 Centre Knapwell:

The centre is situated on the outskirts of Cambridge approximately 10 miles outside of Cambridge, in the village of Knapwell, approached through an avenue of mature trees and surrounded by farm land, and with its own garden area. The centre is also a similar distance from Huntingdon, St Neots and St Ives as it is to Cambridge.

The centre offers a wide range of education activities that use a person centred approach tailored to learner needs and interests. Programmes focus on developing communication and independent living skills, using the Sense Curriculum Framework to plan individualised targets and objectives that result in achievement and significant outcomes. Specialist trained teaching staff support individuals on their learner journey, inspiring individual progress by encouraging confidence and celebrating success, enabling them to reach their full potential. 

Please note, the center is not covered by a public transport route, so it essential that applicants have alternative means of travel.

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Sense are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer.

Working at Sense can be incredibly rewarding; we offer the opportunity to work in a large, diverse and successful charity where people can develop their skills, knowledge and careers in a supportive and flexible environment. In addition, we have excellent training and development, the opportunity for you to join our Group Personal Pension scheme and a generous annual leave entitlement.

To apply:

Please use the link below to complete your application. Managers will use your application to shortlist candidates for interview; in relation to the Personal Specification. Therefore, it is very important you complete this section thoroughly.  We would recommend that you read the candidate guidelines, job description and person specification (found at the base of this advert) before applying.

Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time.

If you require any further assistance, please contact the Recruitment Team on 0121 393 4529 or recruitment@sense.org.uk

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependant on the nature of the 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. For more information please visit:  https://www.sense.org.uk/about-us/equality-and-diversity/

No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.

Closing Date

03/01/2025

Apply now