Learning Support Worker - Paid Work Placement

Jigsaw Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in special education is seeking university students for a 1-year paid work placement in Greater London. This position focuses on supporting autistic adults in developing life skills while offering extensive training in behaviour analysis and social care. Successful candidates will gain hands-on experience working with a dedicated team of professionals and will enjoy a competitive salary along with numerous benefits. The role involves planning activities, supporting learner participation, and necessitates a minimum commitment of one academic year.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-related bonus scheme

Fully funded extensive training

Sociable hours (9am - 5pm)

Support from experienced therapists

Discounts at over 900 retailers

Qualifications

• Commitment to ongoing professional development and training.
• Drivers licence or access to a lift due to remote site location.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver lessons and activities for life skills development.
• Support adult learners in social and educational activities.
• Facilitate access to work experience and employment.
• Contribute to research and personal development training.

Skills

Experience working with adults or young people with disabilities

Interest in special educational needs, specifically autism

Sound literacy and numeracy skills

Positive, patient, and caring attitude

Ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations

Confidence with behavior that challenges

Education

GCSE Grade 4 or above in Maths & English

Job description

Are you studying Psychology or Social Care at University?

Are you interested in Special Educational Needs and Behaviour Analysis?

Are you looking to get one step ahead in your career before leaving university?

JigsawPlus adult day centre for autistic learners aged 18 and over, is now recruiting for their sought after 1-year paid work placements for university students who are looking to develop their careers in psychology and social care.

Work placement Students will have the opportunity to gain hands on experience of supporting autistic adults to grow life skills whilst accessing a wide range of funded training and qualification opportunities in Social Care and Behaviour Analysis. You will receive support and regular supervision from some of the UKs leading and internationally recognised Behaviour Analytic experts.

Benefits of a paid work placement at JigsawPlus

• A competitive salary
• and performance related bonus scheme
• Extensive training and development - all Fully funded!
• Sociable hours
• 9am to 5pm, no shift, evening, overnights or weekend work
• Work alongside our in-house team of experienced therapists
• Excellent staffwellbeingand support facilities
• Discounts at over 900 retailers via our online Smart Spending platform

Training & Development during your placement

• A range of Health & Social Care courses including completion of the Care Certificate
• Behaviour specific qualifications including CABAS Teaching Assistant Ranks (cabasschools.org) and Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) (bacb.com)
• Regular industry training in Safeguarding, Emergency Medication, Behaviour Management, Personal Care, Autism, First Aid and more

What our past interns have to say..

It has been an amazing and informative year

the best placement I could have ever asked for. Ive gained so much knowledge about Autism and Applied Behavioural Analysis. My decision making, communication and problem-solving skills have improved hugely too.

My placement at Jigsaw was amazing! Working at Jigsaw has been a fantastic opportunity and very enjoyable - there is something new to look forward to everyday!

Responsibilities of the role

• Planning, preparing and delivering lessons and activities supporting the development of life skills
• Supporting adult learners participation in social, leisure and educational activities within the local community, applying theory-based learning to practice
• Supporting adult learners to access work experience and employment opportunities
• Contributing to research and undertaking training to support your personal development

To be successful in this role you will need :

• Professional, personal or voluntary experience of working with adults or young people with disabilities
• An interest in special educational needs, specifically autism
• Sound literacy and numeracy skills (Maths & English GCSE Grade 4 or above is desirable)
• Commitment to our regular and ongoing professional development programme and training
• A positive, patient, caring and can-do attitude
• Ability to keep calm in high pressure situations
• Drivers licence or access to a lift (due to remote location of our site)
• Confidence when working with children who exhibit behaviour that challenges and supporting with personal / intimate care

Salary: £25000

Contract terms: Monday, to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm

Annual Leave: 25 Days plus bank holidays

Closing Date

Placement are offered on a first come first served basis, therefore, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We anticipate that interviews for shortlisted applicants will commence in November / December 2025

ALL WORK PLACEMENTS REQUIRE A MINIMUM COMMITMENT OF 1 ACADEMIC YEAR

AND WILL COMMENCE BETWEEN JULY 2026 AND AUGUST 2026

To find out more and apply. please visit our dedicated careers website

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All successful candidates will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)