Lead Access Specialist

Job Title: Lead Access Specialist - Vision Impairment Team
Starting Salary: £38,220 progressing to £41,771 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 37 hours per week, term time only (39 weeks a year)
Location: Stevenage or Hemel Hempstead with Countywide travel
Contract Type: Permanent
Directorate: Childrens Services

About the team

The Vision Impairment Team provides specialist support to Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (CYPVI), promoting access to education, supporting the development of essential skills for independence and as part of preparation for adulthood.

The Vision Impairment Team work closely with families, educators, and other professionals to ensure consistent, person-centred support that enables each CYPVI to thrive both educationally and socially.

About the role

The Lead Access Specialist oversees a team of Vision Impairment Access Specialists supporting children and young people who use Braille. The role includes strategic planning, staff supervision, quality assurance, and specialist training delivery.

They also manage a small caseload, ensuring accessible learning through adapted resources and assistive technology.

Working closely with Qualified Teachers for Vision Impairment (QTVIs), the Lead Access Specialist promotes inclusive education and best practices in Braille, tactile learning, and assistive tech.

Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision and line management of a Lead Teacher for Vision Impairment, you will:

• Line manage and coordinate the work of Vision Impairment Access Specialists across educational settings.
• Allocate Vision Impairment Access Specialists’ support based on the needs of individual CYPVI using Braille, in collaboration with Qualified Teachers for Vision Impairment (QTVI).
• Research and advise on the most effective assistive technology and software for tactile learners.
• Quality assure Vision Impairment Access Specialists work through observation, feedback, and development of specialist checklists.
• Identify Vision Impairment Access Specialists training needs and deliver tailored mentoring and professional development.
• Lead regular Vision Impairment Access Specialists’ meetings and contribute to strategic planning.
• Deliver high-quality training to school staff on resource adaptation and specialist technology.
• Develop training manuals and guides to support the use of Braille and assistive tools.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of vision impairment education and emerging technologies.
• Manage/Carry a small caseload (0.4 FTE), modelling best practice including:
• Modifying and producing curriculum resources into accessible formats.
• Supporting pupils in developing Braille and assistive technology skills.

• Undertake the recruitment of Vision Impairment Access Specialists and be responsible for the induction of Vision Impairment Access Specialists across the County.
• To co-ordinate cover for Vision Impairment Access Specialists, should the need arise.

About you

Essential:

• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle – ability to travel
• Successful completion of Partners in Learning Advanced Certificate (VIEW)
• Successful completion of RNIB Certificate in Contracted Unified English Braille (UEB)
• Successful completion of RNIB Maths Certificate in Contracted Braille (UEB)
• Proven experience supporting learners with vision impairment, particularly Braille users
• Experience of working with children with SEND in an education setting
• Strong knowledge of Braille and tactile learning methods
• Familiarity with specialist technology and software for CYPVI
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team
• Ability to model excellent practice and lead by example
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of the National Curriculum
• Experience in resource adaptation for CYPVI
• Understanding of inclusive education practices

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.

Joining our team means becoming part of a passionate and forward-thinking service dedicated to inclusive education. You’ll have the opportunity to lead specialist practice, shape the future of Braille and tactile learning support, alongside assistive technology, and work collaboratively with professionals who are committed to making a real difference in the lives of CYPVI.

This job role is within the Community Services, level COM10 job profile. Please locate this via:

Job profiles - Community services

Field6

To hear more about this opportunity please contact Rebecca.Payne@hertfordshire.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role.

Interview Dates:

19 November AM - Hemel Hempstead
21 November PM - Stevenage

Benefits of working for us

How to apply

As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.

Additional information

Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Safeguarding
This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

Driving required
You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.

English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.