Health Care Assistant

Sunderland College; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking on most campuses

Generous holiday allowance 35-48 days

LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme

Wellbeing support platform

Dental, eye care & health plans

Job summary

Sunderland College is seeking a Health Care Assistant to work part time during term time in Sunderland. The role involves supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities, providing personal care, ensuring safety and dignity, and partnering with Inclusive Learning Teams to implement effective support strategies.

The post is permanent, 24 hours per week over 35 weeks per year, with a pro rata salary of £25,949. Closing date is the end of October 2026.

Qualifications

• L2/3 qualification in Care is required.
• Level 2/3 in Learning Support or willingness to work towards is expected.
• Candidate should be able to move and assist with students.
• Maths and English grade C or above, or willingness to improve.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal care and support to students with diverse needs.
• Follow individual care/medical plans and emergency care plans.
• Observe and record students’ physical and emotional well‑being and report changes.
• Encourage independence and promote student motivation.

Education

L2/3 qualification in Care

Level 2/3 Learning Support or willing to works towards

Moving and Assisting

Maths/English Grade C or above or willing to works towards

Job description

Health Care Assistant

Location: Sunderland

Salary: £25,949 per annum pro rata

Post Type: Part Time Term Time

Hours per Week: 24

Weeks per Year: 35

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Thursday 29 October 2026

Reference: 0806-26

About The College

Sunderland College has been delivering highly successful courses for more than 20 years and is one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the North East with approximately 14,300 students. The College has two campuses across the city of Sunderland, offering a wide range of academic and vocational provision for school leavers and adults. The College aims to develop and positively shape lives, communities, and the economy through teaching, learning and development of skills. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and Sunderland College has been ranked in the top 25% in the country for student achievement rates. In October 2024, we were ranked as Ofsted outstanding, and we are proud of our diverse student and staff community that provide our students with bespoke education pathways to help them achieve their future career goals.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

About The Candidate

We are seeking to appoint enthusiastic, experienced, and skilled health care practitioner to join our team in the Directorate of Inclusive Learning. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing, continually improving, and promoting our ambitious vision for excellence in supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

About The Role

You will work in partnership with the Inclusive Learning Teams to develop and implement effective, individualised support strategies for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This will include assisting with personal care tasks, safe lifting, transferring, repositioning, and supporting the movement of students as required. You will also be responsible for observing and monitoring students’ physical and emotional well-being, ensuring their safety, dignity, and comfort at all times.

Role Responsibilities

• To provide personal care and support to students with a wide range of needs and disability’s
• To follow and be aware of individual Care plans/medical care plans/eating plan/ emergency care plans.
• To observe, monitor and record students’ physical and emotional well-being, and promptly report any changes.
• To encourage the independence and motivation of the students, and not to foster dependent behaviour.

Qualifications

• L2/3 qualification in Care
• Level 2/3 Learning Support or willing to works towards
• Moving and Assisting
• Grade C or above for Maths and English or willing to works towards

Essential Skills & Experience

• Supporting individuals with learning difficulties/disabilities and medical needs
• Delivering high standards of personal care requirements
• Experience in maintaining, monitoring and reviewing student care/ support plans
• Advocating for individuals with Learning Difficulties and/or disabilities

What’s in it for you?

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities. We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply. As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.