The Opportunity
You will play an important role in helping young people overcome barriers to education. Many of the learners you will work with have experienced disruption or challenges in their education, and you will support them to re-engage with learning both at the College and within community outreach centres. By offering encouragement, structure and strategies for success, you will help our students to regulate their behaviour, build resilience and develop a more positive approach to learning.
You will work closely with individuals and groups of learners, ensuring that they are able to access the curriculum and take part fully in classroom and practical activities. Your support will be tailored to learners’ individual needs, enabling them to achieve their goals and make progress both academically and personally. In doing so, you will also provide high-quality written information, contribute to support plans, and assist with assessment activities, including examinations.
Collaboration will be a key part of your role, as you will work alongside teaching staff to create a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment where students feel valued and motivated. You will act as a positive role model, offering guidance and encouragement that empowers learners to take ownership of their progress. You will also engage in team meetings, share best practice, and contribute to the continuous improvement of the service.
In this role, you will be expected to adopt a flexible and responsive approach, working across different sites to meet learners where they are. You will bring strong communication and behaviour management skills, underpinned by a trauma-informed approach that recognises and responds to the complex needs of young people. By doing so, you will help raise aspirations and support learners in building the confidence they need to succeed.
About You
You will be someone who genuinely cares about making a difference to young people’s lives and understands the barriers they may face in education. You will bring empathy, patience and a trauma-informed approach, helping learners to feel safe, supported and able to re-engage with their studies.
You should have strong communication and behaviour management skills, with the ability to build trust and positive relationships with students who may display challenging behaviours. Flexibility and resilience will be important, as you will be working across different College sites and adapting your approach to meet the diverse needs of learners.
Ideally, you will have experience of working with young people who are disengaged or have complex needs, but above all you will bring the right attitude and commitment to supporting learners to achieve their goals. You will need a minimum of GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) and be prepared to engage in ongoing training and development to further enhance your skills.
This role will suit you if you are motivated, adaptable and able to act as a positive role model—someone who can encourage learners to build resilience, regulate their behaviour and take steps towards a brighter future.
Key Skills, Qualifications and Experience
* GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) required
* Strong communication and behaviour management skills
* Trauma-informed approach to support learners
* Ability to work across different sites and adapt approaches
* Experience with disengaged learners or those with complex needs (desirable)
Reasons to join us
* We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
* Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress
* Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval)
* 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
* Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure
* Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities
* Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App
* Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines
* Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our onsite salon
* On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options
* Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members
* Our shared purpose - We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff
Closing date for applications is Wednesday, 15th October 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.
Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.
Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.
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