Academic Support Worker

University College Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 29 days pro rata

Pension scheme

Private healthcare

Employee Assistance Programme

Health MOTs

Professional qualification sponsorship

Cycle to work

On-site gym

Job summary

University College Birmingham is seeking an Academic Support Worker to assist FE and 6th Form learners with disabilities and neurodivergent profiles, helping them access learning, build confidence and progress toward their individual goals.

This student-facing role combines classroom-based support, small group and 1:1 appointments, interim reviews and administrative activity to ensure support is responsive, age-appropriate, well documented and aligned to learner needs.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting FE/6th Form or post-16 learners with disabilities or neurodivergent profiles.
• Understanding of inclusive practice, safeguarding, confidentiality and person-centred support.
• Strong communication, organisation and record-keeping skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective classroom, small group and 1:1 support for FE and 6th Form learners with disclosed support needs.
• Contribute to development/review of Learner Support Plans, maintain accurate records, report progress and impact.
• Collaborate with curriculum teams and professional services to promote inclusive learning, attendance and progress.

Skills

FE/6th Form learner support

Inclusive practice

Strong communication

Job description

Job Title: Academic Support Worker

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £24,268 - £24,824 per annum pro rata of £27,241 - £27,865 per annum - SS2

Job type: Permanent, 37 hours per week over 40 weeks per year

UCB is an equal opportunities employer. We are TEF rated Silver, with a Good Ofsted rating.

The Role:

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join University College Birmingham's Disability and Neurodiversity Support team, supporting the continued development of our Further Education and 6th Form provision.

The Academic Support Worker will play an important role in supporting FE and 6th Form students with specific learning differences, disabilities and neurodivergent profiles to access learning, develop confidence and make progress towards their individual goals.

This is a student-facing role that combines classroom-based support, small group and 1:1 appointments, interim reviews and administrative activity to help ensure support is responsive, age-appropriate, well documented and aligned to individual learner needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide effective classroom, small group and 1:1 support for FE and 6th Form learners with disclosed support needs.
• Contribute to the development and review of Learner Support Plans, maintain accurate support records and report on student progress, support impact and relevant supporting documentation.
• Work collaboratively with curriculum teams and professional service colleagues to promote inclusive learning, attendance, engagement and progress.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

• Relevant experience of supporting FE, 6th Form or post-16 learners with disabilities, specific learning differences or neurodivergent profiles in an education setting.
• A good understanding of inclusive practice, safeguarding, confidentiality and person-centred support in a post-16 learning environment.
• Strong communication, organisation and record-keeping skills, with the ability to work sensitively and professionally with students and colleagues.

If you are motivated by inclusive FE and 6th Form education and want to make a practical difference to learners' confidence, independence and progress, we would welcome your application.

Why Work at University College Birmingham?

• A student-focused institution with a strong commitment to widening participation, inclusion and removing barriers to learning for post-16 learners.
• The opportunity to work as part of a specialist team delivering high-quality, inclusive support in collaboration with FE and 6th Form curriculum teams.
• A supportive working environment with opportunities to develop your knowledge, confidence and practice in disability and neurodiversity support.

Benefits:

• Generous allocation of annual leave
  • 29 days' paid leave per year (pro rata)
  • 12 Bank Holidays & Concessionary Days
• Excellent Local Government/Teachers' Pension Scheme
  • Employer Contributions - 20.9%
• Subsidised private healthcare provided by Aviva including a Digital GP Service.
• Employee Assistance Programme inclusive of counselling services, financial wellbeing support and bereavement support
• Annual health MOTs with our Registered Nurse
• Excellent staff development opportunities including professional qualification sponsorship
• A variety of salary sacrifice schemes including technology and cycle.
• Free on-site gym membership

Extra Information:

All applicants for employment at the University will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of Safeguarding and the PREVENT agenda in the context of further and higher education.

Closing Date - Friday 30th October 2026.

Interview Date - Wednesday 11th November 2026.

Candidates with experience of: Academic Support Worker, Learning Support Assistant, Learning Support Worker, Additional Learning Support Assistant, Additional Learning Support Worker, ALS Support Worker, SEND Support Assistant, SEND Support Worker, SEN Support Assistant, SEN Support Worker, Special Educational Needs Assistant, Special Educational Needs Support Worker, Disability Support Worker, Disability Support Assistant, Disability Support Officer, Disability Support Adviser, Disability Support Advisor, may also be considered for this role.