Job Description

Trainee Habilitation Specialist

Salary: 25, 000 per annum (pay will increase following successful completion of the first year, and post qualification, then annually with experience in line with continual professional development up to 36,000)

Full-time: 36 hours per week

Work Mileage paid at 45p per mile.

This is a brilliant opportunity for an outstanding graduate with a passion for working with children and young people. This is a trainee post and the training programme takes 2 years including on the job training and a graduate diploma (which we pay for). At the end of the 2-year programme, and on successful qualification, you will then be employed as a qualified Habilitation Specialist.

We are recruiting for a trainee Habilitation Specialist who will work within the Children & Young People's team while undertaking the Habilitation and Disabilities of Sight Graduate Diploma at University College London.

The role of the Habilitation Specialist is to teach concepts that most children learn through sight. Habilitation Specialists support children and young people to develop strategies to excel in life without vision, or with reduced vision, developing independence, mobility, and daily living skills.

JOB DESCRIPTION (for first year)

1. To work closely with the Senior Habilitation Specialist and the rest of the Children & Young People's team supporting the delivery of services.

2. To work as part of various teams across the charity, assisting with various services to give themselves good foundation knowledge and understanding.

3. To support the preparation and delivery of recreational activities for children, young people and their families as required.

4. To work as a member of the team building links with families.

5. To develop knowledge of child developmental milestones.

6. To undertake risk assessments. Record and work to reduce identified risks.

7. To be responsible for assessing and addressing potential health and safety issues around the services we provide.

8. To gain knowledge about all aspects of safeguarding and the legislation that protects children and young people. To take responsibility for following our organisation policies and procedures whenever there is a concern.

9. To assist with the recording and reporting required by the organisation/ service in relation to the delivery and funding of our service.

10. To work closely with other members of the team, ensuring that the different aspects of our service dovetail to meet the needs of the children, young people, and their families.

11. To gain a First Aid Certificate.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

To have experience working or volunteering with children and young people

Postgraduate degree or a minimum qualification equivalent to QCF Level 4 Modes.

Good interpersonal and communication skills.

Have a commitment to equality and social inclusion, particularly the issues faced by young people, their parents, and carers.

Be imaginative, creative, and flexible.

Experience of vision impairment is desirable, but not essential.

An understanding of sign language is desirable, but not essential.

Ability to work independently while continuing to follow the team plan and contribute to Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey's strategy.

Ability to work as part of a team while also being able to self-motivate.

Effective time management and organisational skills

Available and willing to work flexibly when required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physically able to support participants taking part in activities.

Available to work occasionally out of core office hours to support events (time off in lieu will be given)

Ability to travel to events located throughout Surrey, and sometimes out of County.

Ability to attend university and to the required placement which will be outside of Surrey.

Commitment to complete the Habilitation Specialist training and to become a qualified Habilitation Specialist.

The post is dependent on successful admission onto the University City London Habilitation Specialist Course beginning autumn 2025. The successful candidate will be required to apply for a place on the course once they have their job offer, and by the end of July 2025.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 25,000.00-36,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Free flu jabs Free parking Sick pay Work from home
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Experience:

Childcare: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Leatherhead

Application deadline: 13/06/2025
Reference ID: SE045
Expected start date: 01/08/2025