Learning Support Practitioner: Neuro Divergent Learners at West Nottinghamshire College
1. The Appointment
You will be part of a team that provides a wide range of support services to learners who have neuro divergent needs.
The ideal candidate will be required to work under the guidance of the SEN Manager: ASD/ADHD/SEMH
across the college curriculum, working adaptively and responsively to target specific and emerging needs.
You are required to have a flexible and professional approach to your work, possessing sound interpersonal and communication skills.
You will need the ability to work as part of a team whilst demonstrating that you can use your own initiative to work independently, without close supervision.
Please specify on your application form the working hours required.
The role will require you to embed the college’s values, Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, Compassion and Ambition.
2. The Post
2.1 Main Duties and Responsibilities
To provide highly flexible learning support for students across a range of curriculum areas and college provision, responding to changing needs and priorities at short notice.
To work collaboratively with teaching staff to support student engagement, participation, progress and achievement within classroom, workshop and vocational learning environments.
To deliver small group, or whole-class support as directed, adapting approaches to meet the varying needs of learners and preferred learning style
To provide in-class support that enables learners to access learning activities, develop confidence, and make progress towards their educational goals.
To provide support during non-teaching periods, including breaks, lunchtimes, enrichment activities, educational visits and other college activities where required
a) To provide support to promote independence and inclusion to the social aspects of the college and its community. This may include independent travel training.
To attend and contribute to meetings, reviews and briefings, working collaboratively with curriculum staff, support teams, parents/carers and external agencies as appropriate
b) You will need a sound commitment to Continual Professional Development and may be required to attend both internal and external training opportunities related to your role.
c) To act as an advocate for the learners that you are supporting and the broader issues surrounding inclusion.
d) To provide support for learners at all college sites where their learning is taking place. You will be expected to travel between campuses.
e) To facilitate practice in the use of exam access arrangements by acting as a reader/scribe/invigilator when required.
2.2 Other Responsibilities
a) To uphold and promote all company policies and procedures, promoting those specifically applicable to this area of work, including the Equality & Diversity and Health & Safety policies and procedures and attend training as requested.
b) To comply with all college standards and expectations, including college learner procedures and practices and safeguarding policy and practices.
c) To keep up to date, so far as necessary, for the efficient executing of the job, with new legislation, procedures and techniques and attend relevant mandatory training.
d) To be conversant with and participate in activities and developments at college, regional and national level which are relevant to the post.
e) To present and promote an appropriate public image in representing the college group and its subsidiaries.
f) To undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required commensurate with the post. This can include support within a residential setting outside of your normal working hours. It may also include supporting learners at weekends and during evening classes.
3. Skills, Qualities & Knowledge
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications:
English to at least level 2
ü
Maths to at least level 2
ü
Qualification at L2 in Supporting Teaching and Learning Learner or
An appropriate qualification in neurodivergence: autism/behaviour management
ü
Experience:
Working with learners who have EBD/Behaviour Difficulties/Mental Health Issues/Autistic Spectrum Disorder
ü
Working within an educational setting
ü
Experience of inter-agency liaison
ü
Skills /Knowledge:
Demonstrate suitability to work with children and
vulnerable adults including knowledge/understanding of
safeguarding
ü
Good record keeping and monitoring
ü
Basic IT skills i.e. Microsoft word and e-mail
ü
Flexible approach to work
ü
Sound interpersonal and communication skills
ü
Ability to advise other staff
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Ability to work as an advocate for learners and to promote inclusion
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Knowledge of current developments and initiatives within relevant field
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Qualities/Approach linked to college values
Demonstrate a positive approach to equality and diversity and customer service
ü
Positive and flexible approach
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team
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Sensitive to the needs of others
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Patience
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A sense of humour
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Enthusiasm
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Remain calm under pressure
ü
A driving licence
ü
4. Position within the College
The post-holder will be part of the Inclusion Service and will report directly to the SEN Manager: EBD/ASD/MH
5. Terms & Conditions
a) The post is offered on a Vision Business Support Services, term time, fixed term contract and is subject to those terms and conditions.
b) The salary will be VBSS Band 4, £26,000 per annum (pro rata for part-time and term-time hours). This is a spot salary. Effective from 1st November the salary will be £26,457 per annum(pro rata for part-time and term-time hours).
c) The Company operates a Scottish Widows Group Personal Pension Plan.
d) The post holder may be located at any West Nottinghamshire College Group site and may be expected to travel as required. You will however be given reasonable notice of any change in your principal place of work and be fully consulted.
6. The Application
Individuals with the appropriate experience, qualifications and personal qualities are invited to complete an online application form by midnight on 25th October.
Previous applicants need not apply.
https://www.wnc.ac.uk/about-us/work-for-us
THE COLLEGE GROUP PROMOTES EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY AND WELCOMES APPLICATIONS FROM ALL SECTORS OF SOCIETY.
The college is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Posts are all subject to DBS check. The successful candidate will be required to pay for the DBS check themselves, the cost will automatically be deducted from their first salary payment. This is currently £58.
It is an offence for anyone who is barred from working with children and or vulnerable adults to apply for this position.