Specialist Teaching Assistant / Communication Support Worker

Job Introduction

Together, we’re shaping young people’s education for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire by providing children and young people with the best possible education. 
 

About us 
 
Together, we’re the moment makers and we’re focussed on making every day the best it can be for our residents. Whatever you do here, you’ll look around and say, “I make a difference”. Because we’re all creating lasting change to people’s lives in Oxfordshire. 
 
Teaching Assistants and Communication Support Workers (TA/CSWs) are an essential part of the educational teams in the SEN Support Services (SENSS) in Oxfordshire working with children and young people who are deaf in Oxfordshire educational settings. TA/CSWs work in the Deaf and Hearing Support Resource Bases at New Marston Primary School, at The Cherwell School (secondary) and at City of Oxford College (Post-16). Teams help give children and young people access to mainstream education in these settings; it is an important role! 
 
 *the terms deaf/deafness refer to all levels and types of hearing loss 
 
 
About the role

We are currently seeking a Teaching Assistants or Communication Support Worker with a calm, encouraging and positive manner to work with students who are deaf or have a vision impairment at the City of Oxford College in Oxford city centre.

The role is varied and there are opportunities to support students with a variety of learning needs. There are good public transport links to the College and parking may also be available. The roles are permanent and term time only (39 weeks per year). 
 
The role advertised is full time (37 hours) but we would also consider a request to work part time (3 or 4 days). 
 
Everyday you’ll be challenged in a new way, supported by your team, in an organisation that is free thinking, flexible, and helps people achieve their ambitions. We’re not afraid to do things differently and our dynamic culture means this is a place where new ideas are embraced, and innovation thrives. 
 
We believe that together, our differences make us stronger, and that diversity is the foundation for innovation. Here, you can create a unique career for yourself – while raising the bar for the future of Education. 
 

 Are you in? 
 
 
About you 
 
You’re free-thinking and brave, and that sets you apart. You’ll be supportive and energised; you don’t accept the norm if it can be done better - finding answers through exploration and courage. Just as importantly, you will embody our values in everything you do: 
 
Always learning:

You have a good level of basic education (e.g. Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English or equivalent) or equivalent professional experience. Ideally, you will have experience of working with children and young people who are deaf or vision impaired and associated knowledge and skills.

Be Kind and Care:

You will have the ability to communicate sensitively and appropriately with young people, their families, and colleagues. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be resilient, creative, adaptable, empathetic and compassionate.

Equality and integrity in all you do:

Working closely with specialist Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People (ToDs), specialist teachers for Vision Impairment (TVIs), mainstream staff and other professionals to improve outcomes, your aim will be to enable access to the curriculum and to facilitate full inclusion for the young people you work with.

Taking responsibility:

You work positively as part of a team but also feel confident to work independently and take initiative when needed. You will be able to use technology to keep accurate records.  

 
Daring to do it differently:

You bring experience and creative ideas that will contribute to the work of our teams and make a difference for children and young people. 

Fundamentally, you’ll be passionate about delivering stand-out public services, because we’re here to make every moment the best it can be for the residents of Oxfordshire. 
 
A passion for working with children and young people to make a difference and improve their access to learning is essential. 
 
Rewards and benefits 
 
Term time only contract 
Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9% 
Enhanced family friendly policies 
Local and national discounts for shopping and travel 
Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development. 
 
 
Does this sound like you? Curious to learn more? Contact our friendly team for a confidential and informative chat! 
 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Colette Ashley, Lead Teacher for the Post-16 Sensory Support Team on colette.ashley@oxfordshire.gov.uk or on 07842 323680.
 
By arrangement, you are also most welcome visit the base, meet our friendly and caring team, and find out more about what we do. 

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact: tonia.harris@oxfordshire.gov.uk