Education Advisor (South) - Candidate information January 2021

Candidate information
Education Advisor (South)
January 2021

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Introduction
Thank you for your interest in working with the Ewing Foundation. We are excited to be recruiting
an Education Advisor and this pack provides information on our organisation, the role, the skills
and experiences we are looking for, and how to apply.
Good luck with your application!

About us
The Ewing Foundation was established in 1952 by Malcolm and Sheila McAlpine and named in
recognition of the support they had received from Sir Alexander and Lady Irene Ewing, pioneers in
the field of audiology and the education of deaf children. Today, the charity is chaired by their
youngest son, Hamish.
The remit of the Ewing Foundation has always been to support practitioners in the classroom to
enable deaf learners to achieve academically and socially through listening and speaking. At first,
this objective was addressed by ‘one man and his van’ based at the University of Manchester, who
visited schools to check pupils’ audiological equipment and trained their staff in its optimal use.
While the central philosophy remains the same as in those early days, the range of services and
methods of delivery have evolved in keeping with advances in technology, medicine and
educational legislation and practice. The Ewing team has grown and, over the years, has included
several well-known professionals in the field. Current team members have a variety of
backgrounds and interests, allowing them to work individually or collaboratively throughout the
United Kingdom. Team members are involved with several regional and national groups and
committees, working collaboratively with other organisations to share expertise and best practice
in deaf education.
The Specialist Audiology Technicians are contracted by many settings to undertake regular
checking, maintenance and repair of deaf learners’ equipment. They also provide training to
school staff to carry out checks and perform basic trouble-shooting between their visits. With
growing awareness of the impact of the acoustic environment on learning, they also advise on
appropriate equipment and treatments.
Our Clinical Audiologist works with the NHS, health professionals and manufacturers to promote
appropriate paediatric provision. This is a valuable role at a time when Education, Health and Care
Plans promote inter-agency collaboration.
It is important to remember that having working equipment is only part of essential provision in
ensuring deaf children’s educational progress. Specialist and mainstream professionals seek
training, support and advice from Education Advisors on all relevant aspects of deaf education
including (but not exclusively) listening, language, literacy, social and emotional development, and
transition. As experienced Teachers of the Deaf, they demonstrate the impact of effectively using
equipment in conjunction with tailored classroom strategies and resources, and reviewing best
practice.
Looking ahead, we want to embed the work of the Burwood Park Foundation, within the remit of
the Ewing Foundation. This is our charity with a focus on deaf children with additional needs. We
would be delighted to hear from candidates with experience in this area. For more information
about this work, please visit www.ewing-foundation.org.uk/sister-charities/burwood-park-
foundation/ and for further information about Ewing Foundation, please visit: www.ewing-
foundation.org.uk
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Job description

Title:                       Education Advisor
Reporting to:                Chief Executive
Location:                    This role will involve working from home, and travelling, when this is
                             permitted again, across the UK, particularly south east and south west
                             England
Salary:                      Negotiable (depending on experience)
Please note:                 We are very interested in hearing from a range of candidates with the
                             relevant skills, knowledge and experiences for this role. Ideally, we
                             believe this role will require four-five days each week. However, we can
                             be flexible about days and hours, and would consider ‘job share’
                             proposals. This role could be on a self-employed or employed basis.
                             This post is conditional to the successful candidate/s having enhanced
                             DBS clearance.

Overall purpose of the role
To ensure specialist and mainstream professionals receive effective training, support and advice
on all relevant aspects of deaf education including listening, language, literacy, social and
emotional development, and transition.
To anticipate and respond to changes in education and technology, particularly during the current
Covid-19 pandemic, so that professionals are prepared to meet the opportunities and challenges
of the future.
To be an effective representative of the Ewing Foundation (and its related charities) across the
nominated areas of England.
To develop the work of the Burwood Park Foundation. This work could also be considered as a
separate part time post.

Key Accountabilities
        Delivering a high standard of support to professionals working with deaf learners in a range
         of settings (including trainee and qualified Teachers of the Deaf)

        Being a ‘lead trainer’ for the organisation; providing learning events, and organising and
         speaking at conferences, writing articles and producing relevant resources

        Proactive working in keeping abreast of developments in education, health and social care
         services especially in relation to deaf learners

        Working closely with the Chief Executive and the Ewing Team to implement the Ewing
         Foundation’s strategic and business plans
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   Positively promoting the work of the Ewing Foundation and its related charities

      Maintaining excellent records of the work done, evaluating its outcome and the difference
       made

      Undertaking continuing professional development as required for the successful execution
       of the role

Person specification

      Demonstrated passion for, and commitment to, the inclusion and achievement of deaf
       children, and deaf children with additional needs

      Qualified Teacher of the Deaf with extensive teaching experience in a range of settings
       including the special school sector

      Detailed knowledge of the support deaf learners (and their families) need

      Up to date knowledge and understanding of the education, health and social care sectors

      Confident and effective leadership and managerial skills

      Relevant practical understanding and up to date knowledge of audiology and technology; a
       qualification in audiology and/or in additional sensory and other special needs would be
       advantageous

      Confident communicator with excellent teaching, influencing, negotiating and
       ambassadorial skills

      Competent IT skills and familiarity with online platforms

      Proven ability to understand, interpret and contribute to complex data and research

      Strong self-motivator able to work both independently, and effectively within a small team

      Able to positively promote the organisation, create a strong network of contacts and
       develop relevant partnerships

      Highly organised with effective administration skills and digital confidence

      Willing to travel locally, regionally and nationally as this role usually requires some
       overnight stays

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How to apply
If you require any further information please contact our Chief Executive, Sarah Armstrong, by
email: saraha@ewing-foundation.org.uk
The closing date for this role is Wednesday 17 March at 5pm. To make an application, please
provide the following to saraha@ewing-foundation.org.uk by the closing date and time:
      Your most recent CV (no longer than two pages)

      A letter of application detailing how you meet each of the points listed in the person
       specification (no longer than two pages)

      Please also indicate in your covering email what your preferred days/hours and
       employment basis would be, including if you are interested in the Burwood Park Foundation
       role
Please note, due to Covid-19 safety measures, some of the recruitment process may be done
digitally. We will confirm the details with shortlisted candidates.

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