Full time - Senior Student Support Assistant

Oaklands College; St Albans; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS

Annual leave

UNO bus discount

CPD

Adult community courses

Long service awards

Gym on site

Cycle to work

Eye care

Staff development days

Free MS Office

Event discounts

Job summary

Oaklands College is seeking a Senior SSA to champion learners with additional needs and to lead a team of SSAs across the St Albans campus. You’ll mentor staff, deliver hands-on support to students, and collaborate with curriculum and support teams to tailor care and ensure high standards.

With a focus on safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusive practice, you’ll build strong relationships with parents and professionals while guiding ongoing professional development and performance management for

Qualifications

• Experience supporting learners with disabilities or additional needs.
• Strong people management skills and performance management ability.
• Good IT and written/verbal communication skills.
• Calm under pressure and solution focused.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of Student Support Assistants.
• Carry out appraisals, observations, and coaching to grow the team.
• Support recruitment, induction, and training of new SSAs.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and learner wellbeing standards.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Problem solving

Resilience

Education

Level 3 teaching

Management qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

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

• Local Government Pension Scheme with excellent employer contributions
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Discount on UNO bus scheme.
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities.
• Access to Adult Community Learning courses.
• Long Service Awards.
• Free onsite gym and discounted wellness treatments.
• Cycle to Work Scheme and discounted travel through UNO Bus Scheme.
• Eye care vouchers and employee assistance programme.
• Staff development days and annual awards.
• Free access to Microsoft Office software for personal use.
• Discounted entry to Oaklands events, including Foodies Festival, Lambing Weekend and Oaklands Zoo.

Be aware of and follow College policies and procedures, with particular attention to Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Prevent, Wellbeing, Risk Management, Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, Quality, Cyber Security and our Values and Behaviours

Oaklands College is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and stakeholders to share this commitment.

We review applications on a rolling basis and may close this advert early if we receive high interest. Don't miss your opportunity to join a college that's shaping futures and transforming lives.

Department Foundation into Vocational Studies (SEND) | Locations: St Albans Campus | Yearly salary £31,701 - £34,640 | Number of Vacancies 1 | Employment Type Permanent | Employment Basis Full Time | Hours per Week 37 | Job Advertisement Expiry Date 24 September, 2026