Occupationally Competent Assessor/ Trainer
Company: Polaris Community (Learning and Development Division)
Location: Office based, Bromsgrove (Hybrid) - occasional travel required to various offices nationwide
Job Title: Occupationally Competent Assessor/ Trainer
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Salary: Up to £30,000 per annum, dependent upon experience
Specific Hours: 35 hours per week
Benefits: 30 days' Annual Leave (rising to 35 with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme & Free On-Site Parking
Salary: Up to £30,000 per annum, dependent upon experience
Location: Office based, Bromsgrove (Hybrid) - occasional travel required to various offices nationwide
Specific Hours: 35 hours per week
About Us
We are Polaris, one of the UK's largest leading communities of children's service providers. Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, as well as Leaving Care services, Residential, Education and bespoke children's services contracts.
Through our therapeutic children's homes and schools, set in a variety of urban and rural communities, our Residential Division are able to support young people's emotional, social, mental and academic progression and enable them to grow and reach their full potential.
About you
As an experienced Occupationally Competent Assessor/Trainer you will provide high-quality assessment and support for learners undertaking the Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner Apprenticeship, including the embedded NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare. The assessor will ensure learners are supported, assessed, and guided to achieve their qualifications and prepare for End Point Assessment (EPA).
Key Responsibilities
Conduct initial assessments and skills scans to identify prior learning and tailor training plans.
Deliver and assess the Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Apprenticeship, NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, with future plans of delivering the Level 5 Children, Young People and Families Manager Apprenticeship and NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare
Support learners through the Level 4 CYPF Practitioner standard, ensuring progress against Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs).
Plan and carry out observations, professional discussions, and portfolio reviews.
Provide constructive feedback and maintain accurate learner records.
Prepare learners for EPA, including mock assessments and gateway readiness checks.
Liaise with employers to ensure workplace relevance and support.
Maintain compliance with ESFA funding rules and awarding body requirements.
Promote safeguarding, equality, and diversity throughout delivery.
Essential Criteria
Occupational competence in residential childcare or children's services (e.g. Team Leader, Senior Support Worker, Registered Manager).
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England)
Recognised Assessor qualification (e.g. CAVA, TAQA, A1).
Experience delivering apprenticeship standards and/or vocational qualifications.
Strong understanding of the CYPF Level 4 standard and NCFE Level 3 Diploma.
Excellent communication and organisational skills.
Ability to work independently and manage caseload.
Desirable Criteria
Teaching qualification (e.g. Diploma in Education and Training (DET), CET, PTLLS, AET, CertEd).
Experience using Quals Direct e-portfolio systems (but experience of other platforms eg OneFile, Bud, Smart Assessor, would be sufficient).
Knowledge of ESFA funding rules and Ofsted expectations.
Experience supporting learners with additional needs or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Polaris is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position.
For an informal conversation about this post, please contact Clare Makepeace on 07791317115. No Agencies Please.
TPBN1_UKTJ