Job Description:

LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT - SEND
Contract: Permanent, Part Time hours available
Hours: 9:15am to 3:45pm
Weekly Hours: 24 or 30 hours per week available
Salary: £24,700 FTE, pro rata for part-time hours
 
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are recruiting for a Learning Support Assistant to join a specialist SEND provision supporting young people with severe learning difficulties and/or complex needs in the North Hampshire area. 
 
Class sizes are small, with up to 8 students per class and typically 2 to 3 Learning Support Assistants supporting each group.
 
The curriculum has a strong focus on preparing young people for adulthood, including developing independence, daily living skills, communication and the confidence needed for adult life.
 
Students work across a range of levels, from below National Curriculum level through to Entry Level 1/2.
Some students do not use speech, so staff use a variety of communication approaches and strategies depending on each student's individual needs.
 
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
A background in education is not essential, and candidates coming from care or support environments would be welcomed.
 
The organisation provides:

• A comprehensive induction
• Specialist SEND training
• INSET and staff development days
• Opportunities to complete additional SEND learning modules online
• Ongoing development around learning difficulties, disabilities and complex needs

JOB PURPOSE
You will provide high-quality, person-centred learning support to young people with severe learning difficulties and/or complex needs.
 
You will help students engage with their learning, develop greater independence and work towards their individual learning, communication and personal development goals.
 
A key part of the role is helping young people develop the skills and confidence they need as they prepare for adulthood.
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide in-class and small-group support under the guidance of teaching staff.
• Develop an understanding of each student's individual needs, strengths and barriers to learning.
• Adapt your communication and support approach to meet individual needs.
• Encourage students to participate in learning and develop their confidence.
• Promote independence rather than creating unnecessary dependence.
• Support young people in developing daily living and life skills.
• Help students work towards their individual learning and personal development goals.
• Monitor progress and provide feedback to teaching staff.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, support colleagues and other professionals.
• Build positive and professional relationships with students.

PERSONAL CARE AND PHYSICAL SUPPORT
Depending on individual student needs, the role can involve providing personal and physical support, including:

• Mobility support
• Toileting
• Feeding
• Personal hygiene and dignity
• Hoisting
• Pushing wheelchairs for short distances
• Other appropriate physical assistance

Full guidance and training will be provided where required.
Staff are expected to maintain each student's dignity, choice, wellbeing and independence at all times.
 
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Maths and English at Level 2 or equivalent.
• An understanding of how additional needs can create barriers to learning and independence.
• A patient, supportive and person-centred approach.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to adapt your communication style to different needs.
• Commitment to promoting independence.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Willingness to undertake personal care and physical support where required.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding and the wellbeing of young people.

RELEVANT BACKGROUNDS
Previous experience within a school or college is not essential.
We would be particularly interested in speaking with candidates who have experience within:

• SEND education
• Learning support
• Teaching assistance
• Adult or children's care
• Residential care
• Health and social care
• Learning disability support
• Autism support
• Complex needs
• Youth support
• Community support
• Healthcare
• Personal care

Experience supporting individuals with learning difficulties, disabilities or complex needs would be particularly relevant.
 
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
You will work within a specialist learning environment with small groups of young people and a high level of support within each class.
The role can involve physical activity and personal care, so candidates should be comfortable supporting young people with a range of physical, communication and learning needs.