Job Description
Salary £32,061 - £34,434 + SSA £1,539, pro rata to hours and term time working, actual Salary £13,916 - £15,218. Salary amounts quoted are from the 1 September to 31 August and therefore if you commence employment part way through the academic year they are subject to an equated salary adjustment. Location will be Gateshead Civic Centre and working into schools and settings across the Gateshead Borough.
Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Make a difference where it matters most – supporting children to access learning, learn and thrive
You’ll be joining the Low Incidence Needs Team (LINT), part of the SEN Inclusion Service, supporting babies, children and young people aged 0–25 across Gateshead. The team brings together specialist expertise in hearing, vision, multi‑sensory impairment and physical and medical needs, working across mainstream and specialist settings. Together, they provide high-quality advice, intervention and support to schools, settings and families, ensuring children and young people with sensory needs can access learning, achieve their potential and thrive
Be part of a specialist team changing futures through inclusion.
What you will get to do
- Deliver specialist support to children and young people with Deafness or who are hard of hearing to improve access to learning, communication and participation in school life.
- Work in partnership with Specialist Teachers, families, schools and settings to implement tailored learning, language, communication and audiological plans.
- Provide targeted interventions (1:1, small group and in-class) including pre/post teaching, note-taking and communication support such as BSL or sign-supported English.
- Adapt and deliver learning activities, resources and environments to meet individual needs and remove barriers to learning.
- Support the effective use of hearing technologies and specialist equipment, advising staff and pupils.
- Build strong relationships with children and young people, promoting confidence, independence and high expectations.
- Contribute to assessment, monitoring and reporting of progress, including reviews and feedback to families and professionals.
- Deliver training, modelling and guidance to school staff to improve inclusive practice and raise Deaf awareness.
- Work collaboratively within a multi-agency framework to ensure coordinated, high-quality support.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to service development, while engaging in ongoing professional learning
Use your skills to remove barriers and unlock potential
What you will bring
- Strong understanding of how hearing loss impacts learning, language development and access to the curriculum.
- Knowledge of child development, learning processes and barriers to learning.
- Experience supporting children who are Deaf or hard of hearing and young people, including use of sign communication
- Ability to use and support hearing technologies (e.g. hearing aids, cochlear implants, FM systems).
- Working knowledge of the curriculum (including early years and post‑16) and effective learning strategies.
- HLTA standard (or equivalent) and commitment to achieve BSL Level 3 within 3 years.
- Full driving licence with access to transport and flexibility to work across Gateshead
If successful you will have to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.Salary £32,061 - £34,434 + SSA £1,539, pro rata to hours and term time working, actual Salary £13,916 - £15,218. Salary amounts quoted are from the 1 September to 31 August and therefore if you commence employment part way through the academic year they are subject to an equated salary adjustment.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.