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
o Deliver engaging, personalised learning activities and create accessible resources.
o Support communication using a mix of verbal language and sign (BSL/other recognised systems).
o Promote speech, language and communication development.
o Assist with hearing technology such as hearing aids and radio aids.
o Supervise the student during break/lunchtimes, including eating and social interactions.
o Support the student's mobility (may involve wheelchair assistance).
o Encourage participation in extracurricular and social activities.
o Promote positive behaviour following individual support plans and risk assessments.
o Maintain accurate daily records and share updates with parents and school staff.
o Provide personal care when required.
o Act as a positive role model, promoting high expectations and inclusivity.
2. Supporting Daily Off‑Site Therapies
o Accompany the student to external therapy sessions with a designated driver/PA.
o Take the lead role during travel, ensuring safety, communication and learning opportunities.
o Support communication and engagement during therapy activities.
o Follow safeguarding procedures and behaviour management strategies in all settings.
o Use planned reactive strategies to manage emotional dysregulation.
o Liaise with therapy providers and parents to plan, review and adapt activities where needed.
3. Contributing to the Hearing Impairment Resource Team
o Support deaf/hearing‑impaired learners as directed by the resource provision team.
o Communicate lesson content using sign language, simplified language, visuals and written support.
o Deliver pre‑ and post‑learning sessions to reinforce key concepts.
o Keep electronic learning records and contribute to reviews, including EHCP processes.
o Modify written resources and set/mark simple homework tasks.
o Provide feedback to specialist teachers, class teachers and parents.
o Assist with school visits, enrichment and extracurricular activities.
o 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.
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