Senior Teaching Assistant and Therapy Dog Handler - the Therapy Dog Handler part of the role expected to commence after a 12 month delay
We are looking for an intuitive, positive and flexible applicant to start a dream job as a Senior TA and Therapy Dog Handler. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a well-resourced specialist setting for academically able students with autism or related needs.
We have a vacancy working across our post-16 site, Chestnut Place, and our part-time provision, Bramble Lodge, which is based on the same site in Sambourne. We also have a vacancy working across our pre-16 sites (Lokrum Fields, B60 and Sunbrae, WR7). The successful candidate may be asked to work at any of our sites, depending on prevailing needs, although we are often able to take personal preferences into account within 1-2 years.
Our settings provide a calm, low sensory environment in rural surroundings, carefully designed to support 18 to 30 students (depending on the site) aged 9-25. Our students are unlikely to display challenging behaviour but are unable to access mainstream school due to autism, anxiety or sensory needs.
We expect that successful candidates will have their working hours divided between the roles of Therapy Dog Handler and Senior Teaching Assistant eventually, although we are also open to combining the role of Therapy Dog Handler with any of our teaching vacancies.
Previous experience of being responsible for the welfare of a dog and an aptitude for supporting young people with autism and anxiety are essential, preferably gained in a TA role.
The successful candidate will be expected to assist with other animal-related activities, including contributing to a rota for care of our therapy guinea pigs.
The TA aspect of the role includes: supporting students to access online learning, to organise their workload and find resources for completing assignments; supporting students in a class of up to 6, on a 1:3 ratio; running small group sensory activities (up to 3 students); supporting outdoor learning activities; delivering PHSCE and mentoring on a 1:1 or 1:2 basis as a student's Key Person; supporting off-site visits.
We require applications via a form which can be found at the following address: https://widerambition.org/vacancies/
Please click on Staff Application Form at the above link
Please note we are unable to support applications from overseas candidates who require a visa to work in the UK.
Wider Ambition is committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Applications will be processed in line with our Safer Recruitment policy and will be subject to safeguarding checks. Online searches may be used to inform our view of the suitability of short-listed candidates.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £26,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Paid volunteer time
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Redditch B96 6EW: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Please complete the Staff Application Form found here: https://widerambition.org/vacancies/
Education:
Experience:
- Teaching Assistant: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
