Student Support Coach

Peopleplus; Bedford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

PeoplePlus is seeking a proactive Student Support Coach to join our Prison Education team. This fixed-term 18-month role focuses on welcoming learners, guiding them through induction, and providing ongoing pastoral support to boost engagement and retention.

You will manage learner records, support course applications, and work with internal teams to ensure smooth operations within a prison education setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum professional qualifications in business admin and additional learner support training.
• Strong IT skills with ability to manage and analyse data and learner records.
• Experience in safeguarding, equality, and data protection practices.
• Experience handling administration and trauma-informed approaches.
• Ability to engage and motivate learners with barriers to education.

Responsibilities

• Induction & assessment: deliver a warm welcome and lead induction screening.
• Engagement & support: provide pastoral support and track learner progress.
• Progression & guidance: advise on courses and learning pathways.
• Administration & operations: maintain learner records and enrolment processes.
• Teamwork & flexibility: collaborate with tutors and cover duties when needed.

Skills

IT skills

Data analysis

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Motivating learners

Trauma-informed approach

Safeguarding knowledge

Records management

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration

Level 3 qualification in supporting individuals with learning disabilities

Job description

Be the first step in a learner’s journey

We’re looking for a proactive and compassionate Student Support Coach to join our Prison Education team. This is a key front-facing role where you’ll support learners from their very first interaction with education, helping them access opportunities, overcome barriers, and stay engaged in learning.

As the first point of contact for learners, you’ll play a vital role in shaping positive first impressions, supporting induction, and ensuring every learner is set up for success.

Please note this is a fixed term contract for 18 months.

What you’ll be doing

Induction & Assessment

• Deliver a warm and professional welcome to learners entering education
• Lead screening and assessment processes during induction
• Gather learner history and assess starting points
• Deliver engaging induction sessions to maximise participation and engagement

Learner Engagement & Support

• Provide ongoing pastoral support to improve learner retention and achievement
• Build relationships with learners to understand goals and barriers
• Support learners at risk of disengagement and track interventions
• Use trauma-informed approaches to support learners effectively

Progression & Guidance

• Offer advice and guidance on available courses and learning pathways
• Promote education opportunities, including Open University and distance learning
• Support applications and liaise with tutors and external organisations
• Ensure learners are enrolled on courses aligned to their sentence plans

Administration & Operations

• Maintain accurate learner records and data across prison systems
• Support enrolment, registers, exams, and invigilation processes
• Coordinate with internal teams and partner agencies
• Help maintain systems for the smooth running of the education centre

Teamwork & Flexibility

• Work collaboratively with tutors, support staff, and prison teams
• Support peer mentors and learner development activities
• Provide cover across the team, including admin and induction duties where required
• Contribute to achieving contract KPIs and standards

What we’re looking for

Essential

• NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration (or equivalent)
• Level 3 qualification in supporting individuals with learning disabilities (or equivalent)
• Strong IT skills and ability to manage and analyse data
• Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to motivate and engage learners, particularly those with barriers to education
• Experience in administration and working with individuals with additional needs or trauma
• High attention to detail and ability to manage records accurately
• Understanding of safeguarding, equality, and data protection

Desirable

• Information, Advice and Guidance qualification
• Experience in prison or secure environments
• Experience of exam invigilation and multi-agency working
• Knowledge of OFSTED EIF

Why join us?

• Play a crucial role in supporting learner engagement and achievement
• Be part of a collaborative, supportive education team
• Develop experience in prison education and learner support
• Access ongoing training and development opportunities

Our values

We’re looking for people who demonstrate:

• Customer First – supporting learners to improve their lives
• True North – acting with integrity
• Own It – taking accountability
• Improve to be the best – striving for excellence