Literacy Development Worker
Grade: Band 8 Scale 17 – 22 £26,517.16 - £28,814.86 (3 year contract)
Directly responsible to: Development team manager
Directly responsible for: Quality of Education and Teaching
Conditions of service: As detailed in the contract of employment
Purpose: To provide one-to-one and group-based literacy development support for Young People (YP) with special educational needs and their families, fostering confidence, functional skills, and emotional resilience.
Key Responsibilities
1. Literacy Development for Young People and Families
* Deliver one-to-one literacy support tailored to the diverse needs of YPs and their families.
* Progress to leading group sessions and workshops that promote peer support and collaborative learning.
* Develop literacy beyond reading, focusing on functional skills like speaking, listening, and assertiveness.
* Support emotional intelligence and personal development as part of literacy improvement.
1. Session Planning and Delivery
* Design and adapt lesson plans to reflect individual learning styles and abilities.
* Utilise creative, flexible, and innovative teaching methods to engage disengaged learners.
* Use informal, non-traditional approaches where appropriate while maintaining effective outcomes.
* Provide resources and reading materials tailored to learners’ needs.
1. Advocacy and Outreach
* Collaborate with experienced tutors to identify YP with below-average literacy levels or communication and social interaction difficulties.
* Engage with families to address social exclusion caused by poor literacy, offering tailored one-to-one support.
* Encourage families to access community resources such as local libraries.
1. Building Confidence and Engagement
* Set high expectations to inspire, motivate, and challenge YP and their families.
* Foster active participation and sustained engagement through individualized approaches.
* Empower participants to build the skills necessary for a successful transition to adulthood.
1. Monitoring and Reporting
* Maintain progress records and adapt plans to address individual and group needs.
* Provide regular updates to stakeholders on project outcomes and impact.
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Experience:
* Proven experience working with YP with special educational needs or behavioural challenges.
* Strong understanding of the barriers to learning and strategies for overcoming them.
* Ability to create and deliver engaging, innovative, and inclusive literacy support sessions.
* Knowledge of functional literacy skills, including communication and personal development techniques.
* Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to build trust with YP and their families.
Personal Attributes:
* Flexible, creative, and adaptable in approach.
* Passionate about improving literacy and reducing social exclusion.
* Empathetic, patient, and able to build positive relationships with diverse individuals.
Project Goals
* Equip YP with literacy skills for independent living and successful adulthood.
* Foster family collaboration toward shared literacy improvement goals.
* Reduce social isolation and enhance community engagement through literacy development.
Reporting to: Project Coordinator
This role offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of YPs and their families, supporting them in overcoming challenges, building confidence, and achieving their full potential.
Close: 5th May
Interviews: 9th May
Start date: ASAP