Specialist Support Assistant – Sixth Form
Location: Hackney
Contract Type: Day-to-day cover / Standby (with potential for future long-term opportunities)
Rate of Pay: £95 - £100 per day PAYE
About the Role
A large secondary school with a Sixth Form in Hackney are seeking a dedicated and experienced specialist support assistant to provide essential care and academic support for a 17-year-old male student in Sixth Form. This is a highly specialised role primarily focused on ensuring the student can safely and effectively access a mainstream school environment.
The position is currently required on an as-needed basis to cover absences for a permanent staff member, though there is potential for a second role to open up in the future as the school expands its support funding.
As a genuine occupational requirement for privacy and decency of personal care to this student this role is encourage for male applicants.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manual Handling & Personal Care: You will be responsible for the student’s personal care (required once a day) and must be proficient in manual handling, specifically using a ceiling hoist to transition the student to a bed.
- Academic Support: Supporting the student in lessons, which may include scribing for him, although he is capable of typing on his own laptop.
- Daily Transition & Support: Assisting the student with transitions throughout the school day and providing minor assistance during lunch, such as cutting up food.
- Flexible Support: While the primary focus is this specific student, the school does not operate on a strict 1:1 basis; you may be asked to support other students or assist with other roles across the school as required.
Requirements:
- Specialist Training: You must be fully trained and confident in the use of a ceiling hoist. (Please note: general hoist training is not sufficient; specific experience with ceiling-mounted systems is essential).
- Experience: Previous experience in a SEN (Special Educational Needs) or inclusion setting, particularly with physical disabilities and personal care, is highly desirable.
- Reliability: As this is a cover role, we are looking for someone who can be available at short notice to ensure the student's education is not interrupted.
What We Offer:
- An opportunity to work within a supportive mainstream Sixth Form environment.
- The chance to make a significant impact on a student's ability to access education.
- Clear and transparent pay structures.
- The possibility of transitioning to a permanent contract after two terms, subject to school needs and performance.
If you have the skill set and experience for this role, please apply or reach out to Elise @ Parker Smith Inclusion - please note an Enhanced Child & Adult DBS is required for this role.
Note: The gender requirement for this role is a Genuine Occupational Qualification (GOQ) under the Equality Act, due to the personal care duties involved.