We now have exciting opportunities for an Education Support Workers to join our Sense College in Knapwell.
We have various hours available under fixed term contracts to run until the end of academic year in July 2027. Contracts may be renewed, dependent on the number of students attending. Successful candidates will be contracted for 39 weeks of the year, with possible opportunities for overtime. The work patterns will be between Monday to Friday, 9.15 am to 4.15 pm, 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 experience
- Supporting 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?
- 24 days' holiday + bank holidays; increasing with length of service
- Free DBS Check
- Free 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 opportunities
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Employee referral scheme
- Health and well-being support
- Pension Scheme
- Discount 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.
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
Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life. Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose.
We're proud to be a Disability confident leader and a charity where people can grow their skills and careers in a supportive, flexible environment.
As part of our new three-year strategy, we're delivering a transformational plan focused on strengthening support for disabled people with complex needs, driving social change and creating a fairer, more equal future. For further information visit: Transforming Sense, together: our three-year plan - Sense
Our Values
Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:
- We're creating change
- We're always learning
- We're better together
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 [email protected]
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 dependent 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.
