Ready to Make a Difference in Students’ Lives?
Do you love motivating others, supporting learners to thrive, and leading a team to success?
Oaklands College is looking for a passionate Senior Student Support Assistant to champion our learners with additional needs, and to guide and inspire our Student Support Assistants to deliver the very best support possible.
This is your chance to make a real impact — ensuring every student has the encouragement, care, and support they need to achieve their potential.
NOTE: the salary will be a pro-rata of the FTE
Why Join Oaklands?
For over 100 years, Oaklands College has been transforming lives through education. Our Student Support teams are at the heart of this mission — creating inclusive, safe, and empowering environments where learners can flourish.
As a Senior SSA, you’ll not only support students directly, but also lead, mentor, and inspire a team of dedicated staff, shaping the future of student support across the College.
What You’ll Be Doing
Leadership & Team Development
* Lead, motivate, and develop a team of Student Support Assistants
* Carry out appraisals, observations, and coaching to help your team grow
* Support recruitment, induction, and training of new SSAs
Student Support
* Ensure learners with disabilities and additional needs receive high-quality, tailored support
* Step in as a hands-on Student Support Assistant when needed
* Assist learners with classroom tasks, mobility, personal care, and independent living skills
* Escort and supervise students on site and during external activities
Communication & Collaboration
* Work closely with Curriculum and Support teams to meet learner needs
* Be the go-to contact for SSAs on day-to-day operational issues
* Liaise with parents, carers, and professionals, helping to organise tours and assessments
Quality & Safeguarding
* Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and wellbeing are always front of mind
* Share best practice and champion high standards across the College
* Keep accurate records and contribute to learner support planning
Is This You?
We’re looking for a positive, proactive, and inspiring leader who believes in the power of education to change lives.
You’ll bring:
* Experience supporting learners with disabilities, learning difficulties, or additional needs
* Strong people management skills — from motivating teams to managing performance
* Good IT and communication skills (written and verbal)
* The ability to stay calm under pressure, solve problems, and keep a “can-do” attitude
It’s a bonus if you also have:
* Experience delivering training to staff or learners
* Level 3 teaching or management qualifications (or the willingness to achieve them)
What We Offer
* Starting salary £25,703.51
* Local Government Pension Scheme
* Generous annual leave
* Excellent CPD and funded professional development opportunities
* Free Microsoft Office for personal devices
* Free on-site gym and wellbeing support services
* Cycle to Work scheme & discounted travel
* Long Service Awards & annual staff celebration events