Educational Support Worker

Job Title: Education Support Worker – High Needs

Location: High Needs College, Sheffield

Job Type: Full-Time, Initial 3-month contract with the possibility of extension

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, Full-Time

Job Purpose: We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Education Support Worker to provide essential support to young people with High Needs at a High Needs College in Sheffield. Your role will focus on removing barriers to learning, ensuring effective participation, and promoting the safety and well-being of the learners you work with.

Working closely with tutors and managers, you will facilitate the delivery of education programs for small groups and individual learners. You will also ensure that all work undertaken is in line with statutory regulations, College guidance, and best practices.

Key Responsibilities

1. Service Delivery & Development:
   • Assist in delivering and developing services to children, young people, families, and carers in line with financial plans and College priorities.
   • Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and standards to ensure the delivery of excellent services.
   • Stay informed on national initiatives from agencies such as the Department for Education (DfE) and Department for Health, to contribute to service strategy and development.
2. Support for Young People:
   • Identify the specific support needs of young people with High Needs and contribute to addressing barriers to their learning.
   • Act as a key worker for learners, providing targeted support including bursary applications and personal care as required.
   • Collaborate with teams and families to ensure the smooth transfer of information and create personalized learning materials and strategies.
   • Participate in assessments and accreditation processes under the guidance of tutors and managers.
3. Safety & Welfare:
   • Ensure safeguarding and health & safety protocols are followed, maintaining a safe environment for all learners.
   • Provide first aid, medication support, and assist in the development of mentoring relationships with young people.
   • Adhere to College policies on equal opportunities, child protection, and health & safety.
4. Teamwork & Continuous Development:
   • Offer peer mentoring and support to team members.
   • Participate in ongoing professional development activities and contribute to team success through collaboration and shared learning.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to relate well to young people.
• Experience managing young people's behavior and supporting their educational needs.
• Successful experience of working as part of a team.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong personal organization skills with the ability to meet deadlines and manage workloads flexibly.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, to a high standard.
• Ability to interpret situations, identify barriers, and propose solutions.
• A caring attitude towards young learners, maintaining trust and confidentiality.
• Ability to work flexibly and travel to various locations across the city.

Qualifications:

• Minimum Level 2 qualification in Maths and English.
• Appropriate First Aid and medication training.

Desirable:

• Experience working with learners with High Needs.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.

Behaviors – Our Ways of Working

• Collaboration: Works effectively with others, both internally and through external partnerships, to achieve shared goals.
• Communication: Demonstrates clear communication, fosters understanding, and invites feedback from others.
• Innovation: Embraces opportunities for improvement, encourages creativity, and supports the development of others.
• Ensuring Fairness: Treats others with respect, ensuring that individuals are valued and supported in line with corporate values.

Working Conditions:

• Flexibility: The position requires flexibility to meet service needs, with potential lone working and varied locations based on learner needs.
• Physical Requirements: Minimal physical effort required, but Team Teach training will be required.
• Health and Safety: Adherence to College Health and Safety standards is essential.

Safeguarding Commitment:

This College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful candidates will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a Disqualification from Childcare Declaration.

How to Apply: If you are passionate about supporting young people with High Needs and want to make a real difference in their educational experience, we encourage you to apply. For more information, please contact Emily @ Service Care Solutions on 01772 208964 or emily.bentley@servicecare.org.uk