Specialist Vision Support Teaching Assistant

At Swindon Borough Council, we want our town to be the best it can be. Our ambitious vision is supported by realistic transformation programmes, with the people of Swindon at their heart. Because that’s who we’re doing it for – the communities and businesses that make our town great. As part of the Council, you’ll support a friendly local authority making decisions with real impact. It’s all for better public services. Better processes. And a better quality of life, for everyone. Join us, and Swindon will be better with you.

Swindon Vision Support Service (part of the Physical, Assistive Technology and Vision Education Support (PAVES) Service) is looking to appoint a Vision Support Teaching Assistant to support blind and partially-sighted pupils within Swindon schools.

Your next role

The role will involve providing in-class support for the pupil, and adapting materials into tactile or auditory format. Computer literacy is essential as well as a willingness to learn specialised software packages to aid access to the curriculum.

The job will initially be for 20 hours a week during term-time, including, as required, learning the Braille code (through use of the Braille Primer and/or UEB Online initially, then a self-instruction manual as part of a correspondence course) and appropriate methods for adapting the curriculum for those who have a severe sight impairment as appropriate, and/or induction training.

The person appointed will need to be able to work as part of a team, with creativity and initiative, and to deadlines when necessary. Previous experience of working within a school setting is preferred.

You must be fluent in the English language (as a requirement of Part 7 of the Immigration Act “for the effective performance of a customer-facing role”).

Your next package

Please see our Rewards and Benefits offer for more details.

As an employee, you will receive a diverse and exciting environment in which to work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst recognising the need to support ongoing personal development and a flexible work life balance.

For Swindon to thrive in the future, we need to lay the foundations now. It’s why our regeneration and transformation programmes are already underway. So, you’ll be joining us at an exciting time on our journey. We’ll look to you to share your knowledge, influence decisions and drive real, positive change. With your contributions, we’ll achieve our vision of a prosperous, re-vitalised Swindon by 2030 together. And you’ll be proud to say it was made better with you.

Your next steps

Read the role profile and select the Apply button to start an application.

Potential applicants are sometimes put off if they don’t meet 100% of the requirements. We think individual experience, skills and passion make all the difference, so if you meet the majority of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.

For further information about the role, please contact Joanne Clarke, Manager of Swindon Physical, Assistive Technology and Vision Education Support (PAVES) on jclarke@swindon.gov.uk .

If you are experiencing technical issues submitting your application please email resourcing@swindon.gov.uk