over-16 Support Worker

GSL Education; Poole; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Poole seeks an over-16 Support Worker to promote independence and emotional wellbeing among young people with Special Educational Needs. Responsibilities include personalized support, assisting in vocational activities, and collaboration with educational staff. Ideal candidates possess empathy, experience with SEN, and a commitment to safeguarding.

Benefits

Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience or strong interest in supporting young people with special educational needs.
• A valid driving license is ideally required.
• An enhanced DBS certificate on the update service or willingness to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide personalized support to young people aged 16+ with Special Educational Needs.
• Assist learners in accessing educational and vocational activities.
• Maintain accurate records of learner progress.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Patience

Job description

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Job Title: over-16 Support Worker
Location: Poole
Salary: £13.68 - £16.12 per hour (Depending on experience)
Start: Immediate or September 2025
Contract: Full time/Permanent

Are you passionate about supporting young people with Special Educational Needs to build confidence and independence?

GSL Education seeks a committed over-16 Support Worker to join a specialist education setting based in Poole.

About the School: The school is an education setting based for 16 – 25+ years old with Special Educational Needs. It is based on 350 acres of beautiful Dorset countryside. The school operate enterprise activities and vocational teaching methods to bridge the gap between education and employment for young people and adults with SEN in Dorset and the local area. The school focuses on vocations like horticulture, agriculture, equine skills and animal care as well as many more, to enrich the lives and education of its pupils.

Responsibilities:

• Provide personalised support to young people aged 16+ with Special Educational Needs to promote their independence, social skills, and emotional wellbeing.
• Assist learners in accessing educational and vocational activities, including practical life skills and community participation.
• Work closely with teaching staff and specialists to implement tailored support plans.
• Encourage positive behaviour and support emotional regulation using consistent strategies.
• Support learners in daily routines, including personal care where appropriate, in line with safeguarding policies.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all learners.
• Maintain accurate records of learner progress and share information with the wider team.

Requirements:

• Experience or strong interest in supporting young people with special educational needs.
• Patience, empathy, and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work flexibly to meet individual learner needs.
• A collaborative team player who follows guidance and shares best practice.
• Ideally need a valid driving license and be willing to drive.
• An enhanced DBS certificate on the update service or willingness to apply through GSL Education.
• Work within a supportive and friendly team focused on making a difference.
• Gain experience in a specialist educational setting with a focus on vocational and practical skills.
• Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

If you're an enthusiastic over-16 Support Worker, looking for your next role in Poole, we’d love to hear from you.

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks; including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service, or completing an application for a new check.

As an ethical, inclusive and independent recruitment agency, GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff in schools across the UK.

To apply for this over-16 Support Worker role, please click ‘apply now’ to submit your full and up-to-date CV, and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch.