1:1 Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) and Mentors

Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) and Mentors - Part-Time Opportunities
Multiple roles available 105 per day 8:30am - 3:30pm Driving essential

We are currently recruiting six Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) and mentors to support students across Essex, with placements available in Canvey Island, Maylandsea, Witham, Braintree, Manningtree, and Chigwell.

The roles are part-time, with working hours of 8:30am - 3:30pm, and pay of 105 per day. There is also the opportunity to work with multiple students, which can combine to create a full-time role.

We are looking for a mix of male and female staff depending on each student's needs. A competent and confident driver is essential, as the role will involve transporting students to educational sessions, activities, and community opportunities.

Student Placement - Canvey Island

Location: Canvey Island
Role: 1:1 Female LSA
Days: 3 days per week (flexible days)

A caring, talented and strong-minded young lady who experienced significant trauma in her early years and has ADHD and SEMH needs.

Support requirements include:

• Guidance with social cues and behaviour with peers
• Helping her engage in activities linked to her interests

About her:

• Passionate about sports and music production
• Enjoys conversation and has a cheeky personality
• Likes banter but can sometimes push boundaries when over-excited, including using inappropriate language

The LSA will need to build a positive relationship while providing clear and consistent boundaries.

Student Placement - Maylandsea

Location: Maylandsea
Role: 2:1 Female LSAs
Days: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays

A bubbly, creative and very chatty young lady who enjoys travelling and conversation. She is capable with her learning but requires support due to ASD and ongoing mental health needs.

Support considerations:

• Early traumatic experiences
• History of eating disorder, previously requiring inpatient treatment
• Known to self-harm, though she can communicate when experiencing these thoughts

LSAs should ideally have experience supporting individuals with mental health needs and be able to provide calm, consistent support.

Student Placement - Witham

Location: Witham
Role: 1:1 Female LSA
Days: 3 days per week

A very creative young person with ASD and anxiety who has strong interests in ComiCon and cosplay and has previously taken part in ComiCon events.

About her:

• Would like to attend a gym with someone she trusts
• Loves animals
• Has significant anxiety around cleanliness and germs
• Can emotionally withdraw when overwhelmed or when there is a lack of structure in learning

Ideally the LSA will have similar interests and be able to provide structured, supportive sessions.

Student Placement - Braintree

Location: Braintree
Role: 1:1 Female Mentor
Sessions will begin online before gradually transitioning to face-to-face

A kind and caring young person who enjoys:

• Listening to music
• Watching videos on YouTube
• Playing the guitar
• Spending time with her pets

Support needs include:

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• Complex mental health needs
• Previous self-harm attempts

She takes time to trust and build relationships, so the role requires a kind, patient demeanour. The transition to face-to-face sessions will be gradual and alongside her current mentor.

Student Placement - Manningtree

Location: Manningtree
Role: 1:1 Female LSA
Days: Tuesdays

This student:

• Enjoys walking dogs
• Practices karate and holds a black belt
• Enjoys going to the gym

She experiences ongoing mental health challenges and phobias, including an eating disorder (currently receiving support). She can appear more capable than she feels and has limited confidence, particularly away from the family home.

She is keen to learn and develop friendships to increase confidence and independence.

Ideally the LSA will be similar in age (peer-like support).

Student Placement - Chigwell

Location: Chigwell
Role: 1:1 Male LSA
Days: Tuesdays

A young person with high SEMH needs who is described as eloquent and intelligent.

Support needs include:

• ADHD
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
• High anxiety
• OCD-type behaviours
• Occasional verbal behaviours requiring support

Interests include:

• Business and enterprise skills
• Boxing and fitness
• Library visits and learning

He is currently engaging well with a fitness coach, so a candidate who enjoys sport or fitness and has experience supporting mental health needs would be ideal.

Key Requirements

• Confident driver with access to a vehicle
• Willingness to transport students to activities and learning sessions
• Experience or understanding of ASD, ADHD, SEMH, or mental health needs
• Ability to build trusting, supportive relationships
• Calm, reliable and patient approach

These roles offer the chance to make a meaningful difference in young people's lives. While the roles are part-time (8:30am - 3:30pm, 105 per day), there is the opportunity to support multiple students and build a full-time schedule.

Applications are encouraged as these placements are urgent.