Are you passionate about creating inclusive educational environments and making a real difference in the lives of deaf children and their families? We have a rewarding opportunity for a Specialist Sensory Support Practitioner with British Sign Language (BSL) skills to join Sefton’s dynamic Hearing Needs Team.

About the Role
As a key member of our Inclusion Service, you will provide targeted communication support to children and young people with hearing needs across a variety of settings, including homes, mainstream schools, and specialist provisions. Working under the guidance of the Lead Practitioner, you will support pupils and their families in developing signing as a primary mode of communication, helping to improve educational outcomes.

What We’re Looking For
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced practitioner who is:

• Qualified to BSL Level 3 or higher
• Holds Teaching Assistant NVQ Level 3 or an equivalent qualification
• Skilled in delivering support within the primary and/or secondary curriculum
• Committed to inclusion, empowerment, and excellent outcomes for children and young people with hearing needs
• Willing and able to travel independently within the Sefton area

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver communication support within schools and other educational settings
• Collaborate with families, teachers, and other professionals to provide holistic support
• Empower and train those working with children who have hearing needs
• Promote high expectations and inclusive practices
• Support young people aged 0–19 (or 25 with EHCPs)

About the Hearing Needs Team
We’re a passionate team within Sefton’s Inclusion Service, dedicated to supporting children and young people with hearing needs. Our work spans early years to college-aged students, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive, communicate confidently, and feel included.

To Apply
For an informal discussion about the role, contact Louise Veney at louise.veney@sefton.gov.uk

Safeguarding

Sefton Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

This post involves working with children and therefore if successful you will be required to apply for a disclosure of criminal records check at an enhanced level. Further information about the Disclosure Scheme can be found at www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.

Interview date: 7th and 8th July 2025

Equal Opportunities

Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential. We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role.

GUARANTEED INTERVIEW SCHEME

Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview.

If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.