Education Support Worker

Sense; Bedford; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days holiday + bank holiday

Free DBS Check

Free leadership and management develop

Free access to training opportunities

Flexible working and family-friendly

Health and wellbeing support

Pension Scheme

Job summary

Sense College Bedford is seeking a compassionate Education Support Worker to support young people with complex disabilities. This part-time, fixed-term role offers 22.5 hours per week for 39 weeks per year, with a salary of £14 per hour and hours from 9:00am to 4:30pm.

The contract is initially for one year, with potential for extension depending on student numbers. You will help learners develop independence and life skills within an inclusive learning environment, following EHCPs and

Qualifications

• Level 2 (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
• Previous experience of person-centred planning and supporting individuals to achieve their goals.
• Experience of maintaining accurate, up-to-date records.
• Previous experience of providing personal care, with the ability and willingness to support learners with their personal care needs.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team while demonstrating your own initiative.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with learners and colleagues.
• A positive, flexible approach to supporting learners with different needs and abilities.
• A commitment to providing inclusive, person-centred education and support.
• Previous experience working with people who have sensory impairments, autism or learning disabilities would be an advantage, as would knowledge of British Sign Language (BSL), Makaton or other communication methods.
• However, these are desirable rather than essential requirements, and relevant training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Support learners to participate in meaningful educational activities, develop essential life skills and build their independence.
• Help learners to achieve EHCP outcomes and stay focused on individual needs, choices and aspirations.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to a positive, inclusive learning environment where every learner is supported.
• Provide personal care as required and assist learners with their personal care needs.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure high-quality, consistent support for all learners.

Skills

Person-centred planning

Record keeping

Teamwork

Communication

Flexible approach

Inclusive education

Support for sensory impairments/ASD/LD

Level 2 English & Maths

Job description

Could you be an Education Support Worker?

We're looking for a caring and motivated Education Support Worker to join our team at Sense College Bedford, supporting young people with complex disabilities to develop their independence, build confidence and prepare for adulthood.

This is a part-time, fixed-term role working 22.5 hours per week, for 39 weeks per year, with a salary of £14 per hour. Working hours are 9:00am–4:30pm.

The contract is initially for one year, with the potential for an additional year depending on student numbers.

As an Education Support Worker, you'll work closely with learners to help them achieve the outcomes identified in their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), keeping their individual needs, choices and aspirations at the heart of the support you provide.

You'll support learners to participate in meaningful educational activities, develop essential life skills and build the confidence they need to become more independent. You'll work alongside colleagues to provide a positive, inclusive learning environment where every learner is encouraged to achieve their potential.

Communication is at the heart of what we do. You'll take the time to understand each learner's individual communication needs, adapting your approach and developing new skills where needed.

The duties are varied and no two days will be the same. You may support learners with their personal care, health and wellbeing, as well as helping them take part in activities that reflect their interests and individual learning goals.

You’ll also contribute to person-centred planning, maintain accurate records and work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure learners receive high-quality, consistent support.

What we’re looking for:

We're looking for someone who is compassionate, reliable and committed to providing genuinely person-centred support.

You’ll need:

• Level 2 (or equivalent) in English and Maths
• Previous experience of person-centred planning and supporting individuals to achieve their goals
• Experience of maintaining accurate, up-to-date records
• Previous experience of providing personal care, with the ability and willingness to support learners with their personal care needs
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team while demonstrating your own initiative
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with learners and colleagues
• A positive, flexible approach to supporting learners with different needs and abilities
• A commitment to providing inclusive, person-centred education and support
• Previous experience working with people who have sensory impairments, autism or learning disabilities would be an advantage, as would knowledge of British Sign Language (BSL), Makaton or other communication methods.

However, these are desirable rather than essential requirements, and relevant training will be provided.

About Sense College Bedford

At Sense College Bedford, we provide specialist education and support designed around the individual needs, interests and aspirations of our learners.

Our approach focuses on helping learners develop their communication, independence, everyday living skills and confidence as they prepare for adulthood.

You’ll be joining a team committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where every learner is listened to, encouraged to achieve and supported to have greater choice and control over their future.

The role is based at Sense College Bedford, Suites A & B, Emerald Court, Pilgrims Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK41 7PZ.

Working at Sense gives you a wide range of benefits including:

• 24 days' holiday + bank holiday entitlement, increasing with length of service
• Free DBS Check
• Free leadership and management development
• Free access to over 100 online and face-to-face training opportunities
• Flexible working and family‑friendly policies
• Health and wellbeing support
• Pension Scheme

About Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life. Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose.

We're proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and a charity where people can grow their skills and careers in a supportive, flexible environment.

As part of our new three-year strategy, we’re delivering a transformational plan focused on strengthening support for disabled people with complex needs, driving social change and creating a fairer, more equal future.

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:

• We're creating change
• We're always learning
• We're better together

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check with a children’s barred list check, alongside a Section 128 check.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of our staff and the people we work with.

We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and our belief that everyone should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.