Address
Form of work
SalaryJob title: Deaf Instructor
Salary: C1
Hours: 37
Contract: Permanent – term time only
Location: Deaf and Hearing Impairment Team (DAHIT)
We require a full time Deaf Instructor to work within our Deaf and Hearing Impairment Team. The role will involve working with a full range of deaf children and young people (CYP) and their families, this could be in a variety of settings. The post holder will contribute to the planning and delivery of BSL, Deaf Studies and a range of other teaching areas as needed. The successful candidate will have experience of working in partnership with settings and other agencies to improve outcomes for deaf children. Effective communication with young people, families and professionals is a key element of this role. You must have skills and experience in working supportively with children, families, and other professionals.
We are committed to improving outcomes for deaf and hearing impaired children through working with families, children, schools, nurseries, and a range of other professionals. We promote inclusion by supporting children’s full and active involvement in all aspects learning and development.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
As a Deaf Instructor, you will:
- Be an accredited; knowledgeable, and inspirational Deaf Instructor, with knowledge and experience of working with deaf CYP.
- Have GCSE level A* - C or equivalent, in English and Maths.
- Have excellent up to date skills in assessing, teaching, and monitoring deaf pupils’ BSL levels.
- Have excellent teaching skills with the drive and ambition to improve the life experiences of deaf children.
- Have a passion for deaf education.
- Have the drive and commitment to remove barriers for deaf CYP.
About the role
The Service supports the educational needs of deaf children and young people in resource provisions and mainstream settings across Leeds. Leeds is a child friendly; inclusive city, and you will add to the work being undertaken by a broad range of teams delivering the best services to our CYP.
You will raise the educational achievement of deaf and hearing impaired children by providing BSL assessments, advice, Deaf awareness training, and direct teaching to the children. You will do this in collaboration with support from a highly skilled and enthusiastic team of specialists. You will teach and work directly with children to develop their language and learning skills. Our expectation is that all members of the team work in partnership with the schools, families, and other professionals.
As part of DAHIT, you will contribute to the development of improved seamless provision for all deaf children throughout Leeds.
The role is integral to our DAHIT team. Our aim is to provide support to CYP, and their families/carers from the earliest days of diagnosis through to leaving school, enabling each child or young person to achieve their full potential.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
- a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
- a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Please complete the online application form.
Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact, Kim Davis - City Lead Teacher of Deaf Children and Young People. Kim.davis@leeds.gov.uk. Mobile 07712 216017
Application Deadline is Thursday 30th May 2024.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders’ policy.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.
Job Description
Job purpose
To enable Deaf children in Leeds to achieve the best possible educational and personal outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Monitor, report on and respond to the progress of children in relation to the BSL tracker
- To teach, develop and facilitate the use of BSL for deaf children in a range of settings as required
- To develop and deliver schemes of work for BSL and Deaf Studies and to assess, monitor and report the progress of learners in these areas
- To produce quality learning and support materials
- To provide additional teaching and support of mainstream curriculum material and concepts through the use of sign
- To use Sign Supported English as appropriate to support the acquisition of literacy skills
- To teach BSL and deaf awareness to families of deaf children and relevant professionals
- Liaising effectively with all relevant professionals and agencies in a spirit of partnership
- Contributing to the overall development of the DAHIT Service
- To take appropriate steps to promote and ensure the safeguarding of children while following agreed policies and practice
- Assess and provide advice on the individual needs of children, including statutory advice
- Provide training to mainstream staff and other professionals
- Enable and promote a cohesive multi-disciplinary and multi-agency approach to meeting children’s needs.
- Promote the engagement and influence of children and families in their education and in service delivery
Additionally, as a member of Leeds City Council you will be expected to:
- Undertake other duties appropriate to the post as required by the City Lead Teacher of the Deaf.
- Comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council policies, procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under the Health and Safety Policy and Procedures.
- Actively promote and support Leeds City Council's Policies on Equal Opportunities and to work in an anti-oppressive manner.
The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE level A* - C or equivalent in English and Maths
- Accredited certificate in teaching British Sign Language
Desirable
- BSL skills to level 6
- Accredited certificate in teaching Deaf Awareness.
- Accredited certificate in teaching in the lifelong learning sector
Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.
- Excellent teaching skills in planning, delivery, assessment and monitoring
- Ability to work effectively in partnership with parents/carers to improve outcomes for children and young people
- Effective skills in communicating with and influencing children and young people (CYP), parents, and a range of professionals
- Up to date knowledge of pedagogy and practice in relation to teaching, learning and assessment strategies for children undertaking pre and accredited BSL qualifications
- An understanding of the barriers faced by deaf learners and the strategies to overcome these
- Up to date knowledge of legislation, policy and practice relating to education and particularly special educational needs
- Providing advice and/or training to other professionals
- Devising effective learning programmes for individual learners
- To have high expectations of deaf and hearing impaired CYP
- Committed to working in partnership with all relevant agencies, children and young people and their families
- Committed to the full inclusion of children with SEN in educational settings
- Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge, skills and continuous professional development.
Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post.
- Experience of working in a support role in mainstream settings
- Experience of working as a Deaf Instructor
- Use ICT and technology effectively and encourage others to develop technical solutions in teaching and learning
- The ability to teach and work with a range of abilities and ages of CYP from 0 – 25
- Knowledge off the potential implications of hearing impairment on educational attainment as well as social and emotional development and well-being
- Knowledge and understanding of issues relating to British Sign Language learning, sign bilingualism and communication support, particularly in the acquisition of English and literacy
Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics
- Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
- Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
- Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
- Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
- Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
- Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
- Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
- Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
- Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
- Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
- The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters
