Sensory Support Assistant
In honour of ‘National Braille week’, this month we will be taking a deeper look into the career path of a Sensory Support Assistant. This is a specialist role aiding those in need of sensory support, such as individuals with visual impairments. Offering a wide scope, this career path allows you the opportunity to work with all ages, in schools and healthcare settings. If you’re a natural born carer, who is passionate about helping other’s gain their independence, this could be the role for you!
Job description
Salary (Avg.) £24,050
With a starting wage of £21,860, this is a role that allows for numerous career development opportunities, often incorporated into the education or healthcare sector – you can choose the route best for you!
As a Sensory Support Assistant, you will provide specialised care and support to individuals with sensory processing difficulties. Your role involves creating a calming and stimulating environment, helping individuals to regulate their senses, and promoting independence and well-being. This could be for younger people, who you will support with the skills to learn alongside their sensory difficulties. Or this could be with adults or the elderly, who need support later in life.
Qualifications and Skills
With a range of opportunities, this role is adaptable and will allow you to specialise in a specific area as you get further into the role depending on your interests. The two main pathways are through education and healthcare.
If you choose education:
For this role, gaining a level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education is a good starting point as it would provide you with a foundational understanding of child development, behaviour management, and special educational needs.
Additionally, gaining a SEN Teaching Assistant qualification can also be advantageous, dependent on which area of sensory support you wish to focus on.
If you choose Healthcare:
For this role, it would be advantageous to study Biology at A-level or to gain a level 3 health and social care qualification. This will equip you with knowledge and skills to support individual needs, communication and personal care.
What you can be doing now
Give yourself a helping hand by enrolling in some supplemental courses such as Sign Language, Makaton or expand your knowledge through sensory awareness courses. A must for all roles involving care is to gain your First Aid training certificate, so taking some courses before entering the world of work would put you one step ahead!
It is always useful to gain some experience in your chosen field, whether your focus be teaching or healthcare, there are always opportunities to volunteer in care homes and schools.
Help others gain their independence with a career as a Sensory Support Assistant.
