Learning Support Assistant

Holland & Barrett; Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education provider in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a Learning Support Assistant to join their team. This role involves supporting young people with learning difficulties and challenging behaviors. Candidates should have experience in related fields, good communication skills, and the ability to work flexibly across different sites. The position offers a supportive working environment with robust training and development opportunities, and the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of learners.

Benefits

Wellbeing support

Contributory Pension Scheme

Induction and ongoing training

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to rewards scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting young people with challenging behavior is essential.
• BSL level 1 or 2 and experience supporting those with autism would be preferable.
• Good organizational and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a team to support young people's learning and care.
• Assist the group tutor and therapy team in delivering individualized support.
• Adapt and respond to evolving situations to maintain high levels of care.

Skills

Support for young people

Good communication skills

Organizational skills

Experience in BSL level 1 or 2

Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Conditions

Job description

Learning Support Assistant (Hedleys College)

Who Are We?

The Percy Hedley Foundation is one of the largest regional charities supporting people with a range of learning and physical needs. We take a person centred, flexible approach to the care and support we provide.

We work towards excellence every day and our team members are committed to delivering the very best outcomes for the people we support. Our dynamic and flexible service is tailored to the specific needs of the individual, making it easier to live, learn and be part of a world adapting to change.

Hedley’s College is a high-quality specialist further education and training provider. We provide education and training for young people aged 16-25 with a range of learning difficulties and disabilities who require specialist individual programmes to develop their communication, independence, and employability skills. We help our learners make successful transitions into adulthood within the Northeast region.

The Role

We are currently recruiting for a Learning Support Assistant to work within Hedley’s College. The main role of the LSA is to work as part of a team as directed by the group tutor alongside the therapy team, to support young peoples’ learning and care.

Experience in supporting young people with behaviour that challenges is essential.

BSL level 1 or 2 and experience supporting those with autism would be preferable.

Some experience of Team TEACH approaches or NAPPI would be desirable. Good communication and organisational skills are essential. Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), particularly sensory processing difficulties would be an advantage.

It is important to be a real team player. Flexibility with an ability to adapt and respond to evolving situations is an important skill for our team that helps us maintain the highest level of care and support.

The position is 37 hours per week and will involve working Mondays to Fridays between 8.30 – 5pm – Term Time Only (45 weeks per annum). You must be flexible to work across both our Forest Hall and Killingworth sites.

If you think you have what it takes to join our team, we would love to hear from you.

Why Work for Us

Hedley’s College encourages career development and progression. We run a robust training programme and we also have development opportunities both within college and across the wider Foundation.

We also offer the following benefits to staff:

• Wellbeing support (including occupational health, physio services and counselling services)
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Induction and ongoing training
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a rewards scheme designed to save money on shopping

[TTO roles only] Salary amounts quoted are from 1 September to 31 August and therefore, if you commence employment part way through the academic year, it will be subject to an equated salary adjustment.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants should be aware that the post will only be offered to successful candidates subject to an Enhanced DBS and barring checks as well as other employment clearances such as referencing in line with our regulator’s legislation requirements.

Please note that this role is classed as regulated activity as it involves working directly with children and/or vulnerable adults. All shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a criminal records self‑declaration form prior to interview, and all candidates will be subject to an online check prior to interview. The amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013, 2020 & 2023) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and are not subject to disclosure to employers, and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.

Please note it is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children and the Percy Hedley Foundation has the right to respond appropriately.