Southend-On-Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend-On-Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Southend City Council is seeking to appoint an additional Qualified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (QTVI)  to join our established and highly regarded Sensory Team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a professional, motivated, and friendly group of specialists supporting children and young people with hearing loss across the city.

Our current team includes Teachers of the Deaf (ToD), a Multi-Sensory Impairment (MSI) Teacher, a Qualified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (QTVI), a Habilitation Officer, and a Pre-School Family Support Worker, working closely with families of deaf babies and children. Due to service expansion, we are now looking to recruit an additional colleague to help meet growing demand. We welcome applications from experienced QTVI’s and those currently completing their mandatory qualification, as we offer structured mentoring and guidance from our experienced team.

The Sensory Team is part of the wider Specialist Teaching Service, which supports over 700 children and young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This creates regular opportunities for joint working with specialist teachers in Autism, Cognition and Learning, Speech and Language, and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH). Our collaborative approach enables continuous professional development and knowledge-sharing across a broad range of additional needs.

We are committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND, working alongside schools and settings to promote inclusive practice and lifelong learning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support children and young people aged 0–25 who are blind or are visually impaired, in homes, early years settings, schools, and colleges across Southend.
• Provide specialist advice and support to schools, settings, and families to promote inclusive education and personalised support.
• Work collaboratively with school leaders, SENCOs, teachers, and external agencies to identify and meet the needs of children with hearing loss.
• Deliver training, model effective practice, and promote the use of assistive technologies and communication approaches.
• Contribute to early identification, assessment, and planning to ensure timely and effective interventions.
• Ensure all practice complies with safeguarding, SEND legislation, and local inclusion strategies.

• Mandatory qualification as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (QTVI) is preferred, although applications are welcome from teachers currently undertaking QTVI training.
• Strong track record of inclusive teaching in a mainstream or special school setting.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by children and young people with hearing loss and how to remove barriers to learning.
• Knowledge of SEND frameworks, the national curriculum, and current educational policy.
• Experience of multi-agency working and effective partnership with families.
• Commitment to improving outcomes and raising aspirations for all learners.

• Competitive salary: MP6 + any accumulated UPS + 2 SEN points, depending on experience.
• A full induction programme, shadowing opportunities, and regular 1:1 and peer supervision.
• Weekly CPD sessions tailored to the needs of SEND professionals.
• A collaborative and growing service with 25+ specialist colleagues.
• Opportunities to develop professionally within a dynamic and forward-thinking local authority.
• A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families across Southend.

If you’re passionate about supporting children and young people who are blind or have a visual impairment, and you meet the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.

Please attach your CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 sides) outlining your suitability for the position.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Application Deadline: 13^th June 2025
Interview Dates: 18^th June 2025

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. 

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