Complex Needs Support Worker

AMA Admin; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

Milk Education is seeking a Complex Needs Support Worker to assist students with complex learning needs in Gateshead and surrounding areas. The role involves providing tailored one-to-one and small group support and collaborating with teachers and SEN professionals.

The ideal candidate will have experience in education or SEND, be patient, calm, and adaptable, and help students build confidence and essential life skills in an inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with complex needs or SEND.
• Patience, calm, empathetic, and consistent in approach.
• Ability to build strong, trusting relationships with young people.
• Confidence in supporting students with a range of communication and learning needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to students with complex additional needs.
• Support students to access learning and participate in classroom activities.
• Adapt activities, communication, and resources to meet individual needs.
• Support students with communication, sensory, emotional, behavioural, and physical needs.
• Help students develop confidence, independence, and essential life skills.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with students.
• Support emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
• Encourage engagement and participation in learning and school activities.
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and wider support teams.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Consistency

Communication

Job description

Complex Needs Support Worker - Secondary Schools

Are you a caring, patient, and resilient individual passionate about supporting young people with complex additional needs?

Milk Education is currently recruiting enthusiastic Complex Needs Support Workers to support specialist and secondary school settings across Gateshead and the surrounding areas. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with experience in education, care, support work, SEND, or similar settings who are passionate about helping young people overcome barriers and reach their full potential.

The Role

As a Complex Needs Support Worker, you will provide tailored one-to-one and small group support to students with a range of complex learning and additional needs.

You will work closely with teachers, SENCOs, pastoral teams, and other professionals to ensure students receive consistent, individualised support. Depending on the setting, you may support students with autism, learning disabilities, communication difficulties, sensory needs, physical disabilities, or social and emotional needs.

This role is ideal for someone who is calm, empathetic, adaptable, and committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where every student can develop confidence, independence, and essential life skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to students with complex additional needs
• Support students to access learning and participate in classroom activities
• Adapt activities, communication, and resources to meet individual needs
• Support students with communication, sensory, emotional, behavioural, and physical needs
• Help students develop confidence, independence, and essential life skills
• Build positive, trusting, and consistent relationships with students
• Support emotional regulation and positive behaviour
• Encourage engagement and participation in learning and school activities
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and wider support teams where required
• Follow individual support plans and agreed strategies
• Monitor student progress, wellbeing, behaviour, and engagement
• Provide feedback to relevant staff regarding student needs and progress
• Support students during transitions, break times, and other activities where required
• Assist with personal care where necessary and appropriate to the role
• Follow safeguarding, health and safety, and school policies

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking Complex Needs Support Workers who:

• Have experience supporting children or young people with complex needs or SEND
• Are patient, calm, empathetic, and consistent in their approach
• Can build strong and trusting relationships with young people
• Are confident supporting students with a range of communication and learning needs
• Are resilient and able to remain calm in challenging situations
• Have a nurturing and non-judgemental approach
• Are passionate about inclusion, independence, and supporting young people to achieve their potential
• Are flexible, reliable, and professional

Requirements

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with complex needs is desirable
• Experience within education, care, SEND, healthcare, youth work, or support work is beneficial
• Experience s