Learning Support Specialist
Location: Liverpool
Department: Learning Support
Application Deadline: 15 November 2025
Salary: £25,640 - £27,788 per year
Reporting to: Head of Additional Learning Support
To contribute to achieving excellence in supporting students through innovative and excellent practice. You will be expected to assess and support students of all ages with a wide range of learning difficulties and/or disabilities, including moderate learning difficulties, physical, mental, sensory, or specific learning difficulties and disabilities. You will draft a comprehensive support action plan guiding teachers and staff to meet individual learner needs, removing barriers to learning and access, improving participation and achievements, fostering confidence and independence among students. You will support students at all levels from Level 1 through Level 4, providing effective and consistent support to enable them to reach their potential.
Key Responsibilities
* Contribute fully to the mission and values statement of the College and its effective implementation in all aspects of college life.
* Contribute to the College and Department’s strategic objectives and actively engage in the annual review.
* Remain aware of developments in the subject area and update knowledge and skills annually.
* Have good knowledge of the impact of various learning difficulties and disabilities on student learning and maintain a track record of assessment and meeting those needs.
* Deliver high quality support to achieve effective participation of assigned students in the learning process.
* Plan and use a range of effective and appropriate support techniques to engage and motivate students, encouraging independence and autonomy.
* Establish a purposeful and motivating learning environment where students feel safe, secure, confident and valued.
* Establish and maintain professional relationships with students that promote appropriate behaviour, communication and respect for others while challenging discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
* Make arrangements for access to initial assessments and interviews.
* Undertake assessment of support needs and learning support duties as per timetable.
* Maintain records of delivered support for quality assurance.
* Liaise effectively with appropriate external agencies when required.
* Monitor student progress and attendance, reporting concerns to team leader where necessary.
* Liaise with tutors to ensure students are effectively supported and that all identified differentiation strategies are implemented as specified in the learning support action plan.
* Liaise with Team Leader and Progress Leaders to identify areas of concern regarding students pastoral and academic needs.
* Assist students with personal care when appropriate.
* Aware of external and internal assessment procedures and play an appropriate part (e.g., supporting exams as invigilators, prompters, readers or scribes).
* Evaluate and improve own communication skills to maximise effective communication and overcome barriers.
* Contribute to the administration necessary to support the business needs of the Department and the College.
* Encourage students on your caseload to attend math and English sessions and report concerns to relevant senior staff.
* Review own professional development needs and participate fully in future training and development.
* Communicate and consult with parents, carers and students including Parent Evening, Welcome Evening, other events and open evenings.
* Ensure all students on your timetable comply with College policies and procedures.
* All employees uphold the new public sector equality duty and the college’s commitment to promote and advance equality of opportunity.
Generic Duties
* Contribute fully to the mission and values statement of the College Group and its effective implementation in all aspects of college life.
* Take proactive responsibility for Health & Safety, ensuring a safe working environment and practices.
* Comply with GDPR.
* Support cross‑college activities, particularly key enrollment and invigilation periods.
* Carry out any other relevant duties as determined by the needs of the service and appropriate to the grade.
Essential Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
* Educated to Level 2 in English and Maths.
* Level 3 qualification or above in a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered with willingness to obtain a relevant qualification.
* Excellent computer literacy using current IT programmes.
* Experience assessing students’ needs in an educational setting.
* Proven relevant experience supporting students in education.
* Knowledge and understanding of disabilities and learning difficulties.
* High level of communication and interpersonal skills.
* Excellent customer service skills.
* Engaged in continuing professional development.
* Ability to set high standards for oneself, colleagues and students.
Desirable
* ICT qualification.
Benefits
As a valued member of our community, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits, dedicated wellbeing support, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth.
Pension Scheme: Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions up to 20.20%.
Leave Entitlement: Up to 30 days annual holiday allowance, plus one wellbeing day, statutory closure days and two additional days at Easter.
Employee Benefit Platform: Access to discounts on supermarkets, fashion, tech, travel and more, including Cycle to Work Scheme and cinema leisure discounts.
Health and Wellbeing: Access to Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme, confidential helpline, counselling, and wellbeing portal with health assessments and the Wisdom App.
Travel: Interest‑free loans for annual travel passes from Merseytravel and Merseyrail, covering up to two months free travel.
Flexible Working: Flexible options to support work‑life balance.
Professional Development: Formal and informal development opportunities.
College Facilities: Free use of sports and fitness facilities, discounted hair and beauty treatments, and staff discount at the Academy Restaurant.
Seniority Level
Entry level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Other
Industry
Higher Education
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