North Hertfordshire College

SEND Specialist Learning Support Assistant (Springboard Watford) JOB TYPE: Permanent HOURS: 37 Hrs/week, 5 days/week for 40 wks/year - 0.89 fraction LOCATION: Watford Springboard and occasional working across group sites in North Herts JOB PURPOSE: To provide outstanding in and out of class support for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), helping them to fulfill their potential and become independent, confident learners. PERSON SPECIFICATION The role of the Learning Support Assistant calls for a dedicated professional with the necessary experience, skills and personal qualities to establish immediate close working relationships with young people with SEND and the wider curriculum and support team. Experience of working with vulnerable young people who have SEND including Neurodiversity and Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges. Commitment to improving opportunities for young people with SEND, especially in the areas of independence, health and well-being, social inclusion and work opportunities in order to prepare them for adulthood. Proven communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills with the capacity to motivate others to reach their potential. High levels of personal integrity and confidentiality. A strong track record that demonstrates the ability to adapt and develop creative methods to engage young people, with a calm and positive approach. Self-motivation and a proactive approach to utilizing personal initiative within a structured framework. An understanding of health and safety, equality and diversity, safeguarding and SEND legislation such as EHCPs. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to adopt and use IT systems effectively and promote the use of Assistive Technology. Level 2 or equivalent qualification in English and maths. Level 2 qualification in learning support or related discipline. Desirable: Use of a car for travel across the college's sites. This job description is intended as a general guide to the duties attached to the post and is not an inflexible specification. It may, therefore, be altered from time to time to reflect the changing need of the service, always in consultation with the post holder. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Implement a range of highly effective strategies to support the diverse additional learning needs within the student cohort, whilst promoting independence, and tailor these for each individual in line with their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), support plan, initial assessment and individual targets. Assist teaching staff in delivering outstanding teaching and learning, including use of specialist assistive technology, to ensure students achieve their planned outcomes and reach their potential. Interpret instructions effectively to support students in following these and assist with communication challenges, to ensure equal access for all. Maintain accurate, timely departmental records and contribute to the setting and monitoring of individual targets, including the review of EHCP outcomes as part of the annual review process. Provide support with study skills, pastoral needs and community access 1:1 or in small groups to ensure students successfully navigate any challenges and progress to their aspirational destination. Assist with personal care, aid mobility, administer medication and provide the relevant support with individual arrangements for students with complex support needs. Support students in engaging with work experience opportunities, including liaising with students, employers and the Work Experience coordinator to arrange work placements, coaching students for interviews, on the job and maintaining departmental work placement records. Adhere to confidentiality guidelines and college policies for SEND, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and safeguarding. Contribute to the work of the curriculum team; attend curriculum events and course and department meetings. Access training and professional development activities to ensure continually remaining up to date and gaining new skills and knowledge, including SEND specific options. TO APPLY Please state which vacancy you are applying for: Email: Are you eligible to work in the UK: CV upload: Please download the Equality and Diversity Fair Recruitment Form at the bottom of this page, fill in and upload. The Hart Learning Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. It is also an offence to apply for a role if you have been barred from working with children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you have been shortlisted for a role and are within the guidelines of KCSIE, an online search will be carried out to identify any incidents or issues that have happened and are publicly available online. If any incidents or issues are identified, the Group might want to explore these with you at the interview. As part of the recruitment process, you will need to provide proof of your right to work in the UK. Please note these vacancies may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.