Job Title: Learning Support Assistant - Alternative Provision Support Worker
Location: Sheffield
Salary: £13.00 to £13.50 Per hour depending on experience - Immediate Start Dates
Hours: full time 30 and 35 hours per week Monday to Friday
About Us
We are a values-driven organisation committed to supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting inclusion within our community. As a charity/social care organisation, our mission is to make a positive impact on the lives of those we support.
Role Overview
Our Alternative Provision department deliver a structured programme and activities that endeavour to meet the needs of primary aged children. The alternative provision will support children that are disadvantaged or disengaged with mainstream education and might display challenging behaviour or have special educational needs in order develop them holistically using our provision.
This role will involve working with individual students, small groups, or supporting identified students who are referred to us by primary schools in Sheffield and Rotherham. The key purpose of the role is to help students develop their academic, social and emotional skills in order to fully access and be successful within their educational settings and wider activities.
Being accessible to all our children is important and you will ensure there are no barriers for any of the children wanting to attend our provision.
Key Responsibilities
* Welcome children and young people into the space and ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
* Support the planning and delivery of activities, games, and creative sessions that promote personal and social development.
* Run informal "getting to know you" or drop-in sessions that encourage positive engagement and relationship-building.
* Work with individuals and small groups of students, including those who are hard to reach or have additional needs.
* Mentor and coach young people, helping them build confidence, independence, and self-awareness.
* Support children and young people with a range of needs, which may include those in care, at risk of exclusion, or involved with the justice system.
* Identify any issues young people may be facing and work with the wider team to help address their needs.
* Collaborate with local authorities, schools, and other partners to deliver effective support.
* Assist the Operations Manager in ensuring young people have access to learning and enrichment opportunities.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Minimum Childcare /Health and Social care qualifications level 3
* At least 2 years’ experience dealing with challenging behaviours in children and young people
* SEN experience is essential
* Ability to build rapport and trust with young people from a range of backgrounds.
* Confident in leading games, activities, or group sessions.
* Understanding of safeguarding and the importance of creating a safe space.
* Empathetic, patient, and a good communicator.
Desirable:
* Experience supporting young people with behavioural challenges, special educational needs, or involvement in the care or justice systems.
* Knowledge of alternative education or informal learning approaches.
* Experience working in partnership with local authorities or community organisations.
What We Offer
* A supportive and inclusive work environment
* Opportunities for training and development
* 28 days holiday per year
* Pension scheme