Job Coach DFN Project Search

Orchard Hill College; Carshalton; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized education institution in Carshalton seeks an individual to support students with special educational needs in gaining workplace experience through a supported internship program. You will work closely with students, employers, and external partners to build opportunities for employment and skill development. A collaborative environment awaits, dedicated to helping students achieve their learning aspirations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in supporting students with special educational needs.
• Ability to engage with external stakeholders effectively.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support students in workplace rotations.
• Build employer links and upskill students.
• Help students develop job searching capabilities.

Skills

Experience working with students with SEND

Building networks with employers

Job searching skills support

Job description

Overview

Location: Carshalton, Surrey (Sutton and surrounding areas)

Salary: Grade 6/SO1 £33,417 - £38,050 per annum inclusive of London Weighting Allowance

Location: Sutton and surrounding areas

Working pattern: 36 hours per week, all year round

Orchard Hill College - Vocational Progression Centre

About Orchard Hill College

Orchard Hill College is an Outstanding Specialist College (Ofsted, November 2019) offering life-changing learning opportunities to young people and adults with a range of special education needs and/or disabilities. We have eight vibrant community-based College Centres across London and Surrey where committed, specialist teams deliver a range of programmes to meet the needs of over 400 students.

Students who study with us have a wide range of needs including profound and multiple learning disabilities, communication and behavioural difficulties and specific medical needs. All students are individuals, and their learning programme is designed to support and empower them to achieve their aspirations and goals, whilst developing skills to become more independent members of their community.

Orchard Hill College is a truly unique and rewarding place to work with inspirational students and a dynamic and supportive staff team. The College is also an Academy sponsor and established Orchard Hill College Academy Trust in 2013 which is home to 14 special schools. Together Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust provide for over 1500 pupils and students with SEN across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire.

Role and Responsibilities

• Work closely with students on a DFN Project Search supported internship, taking part in workplace rotations within host businesses and progressing towards paid employment.
• Build excellent links with potential employers and upskill students with SEND or barriers to learning to support them on supported internship programmes.
• Proactively support students to develop job searching skills, access work rotations, and develop functional English and maths.
• Actively engage with external stakeholders to establish networks and opportunities for students’ employment pathways.

Person Specification / Qualifications

• Experience of working effectively with students with SEND or barriers to learning.
• Drive and tenacity to establish networks with external stakeholders and employers.

How to Apply

Please use the quick apply option to submit an application. Your application form will be scored according to the requirements in the person specification. Demonstrate how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria for the role.

Please note that CV applications cannot be considered.

Dates

• Closing date: 6th October 2025 at 9 AM
• Interviews: w/c 13th October 2025