Learning Coach – Specialist Visual Impairment Support

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post Title

Learning Coach – Specialist Visual Impairment Support

Working Hours

Term Time Only – 39 weeks per year

• Monday \& Tuesday: 8:30am – 4:15pm
• Wednesday, Thursday \& Friday: 8:30am – 3:30pm

34 hours per week

Salary: £20,652 per annum (actual salary)

Location

The post will involve working across Rotherham Opportunities College sites, supporting a student with a visual impairment. The role will also include accompanying the student on educational visits, community activities and work experience placements where appropriate.

Purpose of the Role

To provide dedicated support to a student with a visual impairment, enabling them to access learning, develop independence and participate fully in all aspects of college life. The Learning Coach will work closely with teaching staff, the student, the student’s family and external professionals to ensure appropriate adaptations and support strategies are in place while promoting the student's confidence, independence and wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one support to a student with a visual impairment throughout the college day.
• Support the student to access teaching, learning activities and enrichment opportunities in a way that promotes independence rather than dependence.
• Adapt learning resources and materials, under the guidance of teaching staff, to ensure they are accessible to the student.
• Support the student to navigate the college environment safely and confidently whilst encouraging the development of independent mobility skills.
• Assist the student in accessing digital technologies and specialist equipment where appropriate.
• Encourage effective communication, participation and engagement in lessons and social activities.
• Work collaboratively with tutors, therapists and other professionals to implement agreed support strategies.
• Monitor and provide feedback on the student's progress, wellbeing and access to learning.
• Support the student during educational visits, work experience placements and community activities where required.
• Prepare learning environments and resources as directed by teaching staff.
• Comply with all college policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity, inclusion, confidentiality and data protection.
• Attend mandatory training, including training relating to visual impairment, assistive technology and specialist equipment used by the student.
• Contribute positively to the inclusive ethos and values of the college.
• PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria

Experience

• Experience of working with young people in an educational, childcare, youth work, health, care or community setting.
• Experience of supporting individuals to develop confidence, independence and achieve their potential.
• Experience of working effectively as part of a team.
• Experience of building positive, professional relationships with young people and colleagues.

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A caring, patient and supportive approach to working with young people.
• The ability to motivate, encourage and promote independence while providing appropriate support.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and respond calmly under pressure.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload effectively.
• Basic IT skills and confidence using digital technology.
• A willingness to undertake specialist training relating to visual impairment, assistive technology and accessible learning resources.
• An understanding of the importance of equality, diversity, inclusion and person-centred practice.

Personal Qualities

• Compassionate, approachable and positive.
• Reliable, flexible and able to work collaboratively.
• Committed to treating all students with dignity, respect and kindness.
• Enthusiastic about learning new skills and developing professionally.
• A proactive attitude and the ability to use initiative when appropriate.
• A commitment to promoting independence, confidence and inclusion for all learners.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• Desirable Criteria

Experience

• Experience of supporting a person with a visual impairment.
• Experience of working with young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• Experience of supporting students in further education or post-16 settings.
• Experience of supporting students during educational visits, community activities or work experience placements.

Knowledge and Skills

• An understanding of the impact of visual impairment on learning and independence.
• Knowledge of inclusive practice and reasonable adjustments.
• Experience of using or supporting assistive technology, such as screen readers, magnification software, Braille resources or other accessibility tools.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this post and will be arranged by the college.

Rotherham Opportunities College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check before appointment.

Pay: £20,652.00 per year

Work Location: In person