Specialist Learning Support Assistant (Hearing Impairment & Complex Needs)
Long‑term role – until the end of the academic year
Location: Local Secondary School (with off‑site therapy travel)
Start: ASAP
Our agency is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Specialist Learning Support Assistant to provide full‑time, one‑to‑one support for a student with complex needs within a secondary school’s specialist hearing‑impairment provision. This is a long‑term placement running until the end of the academic year, with potential for extension.
The role involves supporting a learner with a combination of hearing loss, communication needs, and developmental/learning differences. The successful candidate will also accompany the student to daily off‑site therapy sessions and support their communication and engagement throughout.
Key Responsibilities
1. One‑to‑One Learning & Inclusion Support
Deliver engaging, personalised learning activities and create accessible resources.
Support communication using a mix of verbal language and sign (BSL/other recognised systems).
Promote speech, language and communication development.
Assist with hearing technology such as hearing aids and radio aids.
Supervise the student during break/lunchtimes, including eating and social interactions.
Support the student’s mobility (may involve wheelchair assistance).
Encourage participation in extracurricular and social activities.
Promote positive behaviour following individual support plans and risk assessments.
Maintain accurate daily records and share updates with parents and school staff.
Provide personal care when required.
Act as a positive role model, promoting high expectations and inclusivity.
2. Supporting Daily Off‑Site Therapies
Accompany the student to external therapy sessions with a designated driver/PA.
Take the lead role during travel, ensuring safety, communication and learning opportunities.
Support communication and engagement during therapy activities.
Follow safeguarding procedures and behaviour management strategies in all settings.
Use planned reactive strategies to manage emotional dysregulation.
Liaise with therapy providers and parents to plan, review and adapt activities where needed.
3. Contributing to the Hearing Impairment Resource Team
Support deaf/hearing‑impaired learners as directed by the resource provision team.
Communicate lesson content using sign language, simplified language, visuals and written support.
Deliver pre‑ and post‑learning sessions to reinforce key concepts.
Keep electronic learning records and contribute to reviews, including EHCP processes.
Modify written resources and set/mark simple homework tasks.
Provide feedback to specialist teachers, class teachers and parents.
Assist with school visits, enrichment and extracurricular activities.
Use IT effectively for learning and administration tasks.
Requirements
Essential
GCSE English & Maths (Grade C/4+)
Prior experience supporting children or young people with complex learning needs.
Ability to establish positive, supportive relationships with students.
Strong communication skills – verbal, written, and ideally using/signing support.
Ability to follow behaviour support plans and work effectively as part of a wider team.
Confidence supporting mobility and personal care needs.
Willingness to travel off‑site daily as part of the role.
Ability to identify learning opportunities, including during travel.
Strong record‑keeping skills.
Willingness to complete First Aid training.
Willingness to undertake BSL training if not already qualified.
Desirable
Experience supporting deaf or hearing‑impaired learners.
Experience in secondary or specialist education settings.
Knowledge of hearing equipment.
BSL Level 1 or above.
Experience supporting speech, language and communication development.
Experience supporting learners with Down Syndrome and/or ASC.
Additional Information
The role involves working flexibly across school sites and external therapy locations.
You will work collaboratively with a PA/driver and act as the lead support during journeys.
Full safeguarding checks (including DBS) will be required due to the nature of the role