Communication and Interaction Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Communication and Interaction Assistant

Grade and Salary Range: Grade 14, £13\.05\-£13\.47

Responsible To: Headteacher and Communication and Interaction Lead

Purpose of the Job

This job description is directed towards a Communication and Interaction (C\&I) Assistant role within Fiveways School for pupils with Severe, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties.

The post holder assists the Communication and Interaction Lead in providing indirect support to the pupils by developing and maintaining communication systems and resources throughout the school. This enables pupils to achieve their full learning potential, to develop as autonomous communicators and facilitate self\-advocacy. The role may occasionally require direct pupil contact as directed by the Communication and Interaction Lead, on a needs basis.

Main Responsibilities and Duties

*To support the Communication and Interaction Lead and colleagues.*The job will typically include all, or most of the following elements:

· Programme, manage and trouble\-shoot electronic\-based voice output devices.

· Make paper\-based communication aids such as communication books and boards.

· Maintain and set up iPad and android devices, AAC (Alternative Augmentative Communication) and AT (Assistive Technology) resources including apps eg, The Grid, TD Snap.

· Prepare materials and equipment for communication systems and work,

· Contribute to and assist in the development and monitoring of communication systems.

· Assist with the gathering of evidence and information e.g., videoing and recording language samples.

· Develop, maintain and apply knowledge and understanding of communication systems to effectively support the use of pupil communication systems across the school.

· Order equipment and supplies for the purpose of maintaining inventory and ensuring availability of required items.

· Carry out clerical and administrative tasks including upkeeping data files, cataloguing resources and maintaining inventories.

· Work initially with a high level of support, and instruction from the Communication and Interaction Lead. When established, to work independently in specified contexts with support and direction being provided primarily through discussion.

Liaise weekly with the C\&I Lead to review provision and plan the week ahead.

· Receive ongoing training from the C\&I Lead and other agencies.

Remain aware at all times of the limits of own expertise and seek support from appropriate sources.

· Maintain confidentiality.

· Attend and contribute to school staff meetings and in\-service training events, within contracted hours or outside normal hours by agreement.

*Supporting Processes.* Problem Solving and Creativity.

· Within prescribed school guidelines review a range of systems and strategies pupils, often with differing requirements.

· When using and setting up communication systems and tools the post holder will make technical decisions concerning the use of available IT, software and facilities.

· The demands of the job are dependent on evolving roles and responsibilities across the communication and interaction team, needs of the pupils and developments in technology.

*Decision Making.* Work under the guidance and direction of the Communication and Interaction Lead.

· The post holder will be required to make decisions without initial referral to the C\&I Lead.

· The post holder will determine whether to deal with queries personally or refer the matter to C\&I Lead or leadership team

· The post holder will contribute to discussions about C\&I systems, processes and developments.

· Guidance \& support are available from the C\&I Lead for more complex cases.

*Physical Effort and Working Conditions.* A special school environment, although the job holder may be involved in external school activities, such as horse riding, swimming and educational visits.

· Primarily office environment requiring the post holder to remain seated for long periods, either working at a computer or desk, with periodic interruption.

· Frequent use of IT equipment particularly computer, communication aids and technology.

· Working in a school for children and young people with severe, profound and multiple learning disabilities.

Contacts and Relationships.

· The post holder has contact with C\&I team, C\&I Lead, teaching and non\-teaching staff of the school to pass and receive information, advice, guidance, suggestions and ideas.

· The post holder be responsible for their work programme subject to meeting requirements specified by the C\&I Lead.

· Use a variety of interpersonal techniques to establish and support positive relationships with colleagues, professionals, pupils, parents and carers.

· When working and moving around the school, the post holder will have contact with pupils, some of whom who may need support with sensory, emotional regulation or medical issues.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience.

· Able to manage time and prioritise and re\-prioritise tasks

· Proficient in basic IT skills such as using Word, email, internet.

· Confident, or ready to learn, more advanced IT skills such as manipulating images, use of specialist communication software.

· Set up of iPad and android devices.

· Transcribing of video and audio recordings.

· Qualities required are discretion, loyalty, commitment, patience, flexibility, good personal organisation, firmness, to be numerate and literate, a team worker and to have good oral communication.

· Background knowledge of school’s procedures and policies.

· Empathy with pupils who have additional or special educational needs.

· Where appropriate, to be prepared to undertake special skills training e.g. signing, AAC to meet additional educational and communication needs.

· A willingness to attend training and courses as required enhancing the knowledge, understanding and skills to improve the level and quality of support given.

· An education standard equating to GCSE Grade C in English and Mathematics, a minimum A\-C/Point 4 or equivalent is essential. A qualification relevant to supporting the role and / or learning processes in schools would be desirable. A suitable qualification for this post would be NVQ2\.

· Experience of working with children in an educational setting preferably SEND setting is desirable.

It is vital that as part of Fiveways School’s approach to safeguarding, governing bodies and proprietors create a culture that safeguards and promotes the welfare of children in our school. As part of this culture, it is important to adopt robust recruitment procedures that deter and prevent people who are unsuitable to work with children from applying for or securing employment, or volunteering opportunities in schools and colleges.

Pay: £13\.05\-£13\.47 per hour

Expected hours: 18\.99 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension


• Free parking


• On\-site parking

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