Student Support Worker

Barnsley College; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnsley College is seeking a compassionate Student Support Worker to assist learners with learning difficulties and disabilities in classrooms, workshops and community spaces. You will help learners build essential life skills and develop independence for adulthood, while promoting engagement and social inclusion.

You will provide personalised curriculum and pastoral support, monitor progress, and support learners with literacy, numeracy and communication.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting learners with learning difficulties or disabilities.
• Ability to promote independence and life skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and inclusivity.

Responsibilities

• Support learners to achieve goals and prepare for adulthood.
• Provide personalised curriculum and pastoral support in classrooms and workshops.
• Promote engagement, social inclusion, and positive behaviours.
• Assist with tracking progress and maintaining records.

Skills

Empathy and patience

Strong communication

Organisation and record-keeping

Education

GCSE Maths and English Language

Level 3 Teaching qualification AET/PTLLS

Level 2 Health and Social Care

Job description

Student Support Worker

Learning for Living and Work

Hourly Rate: £13.40 per hour

Contract Type: Variable hours

Reference: REC2452 | Closing date: Sunday 16th August 2026

Variable Hours

This role is offered on a Variable Hours contract for services, giving you the flexibility to choose whether to accept work offered to you. We’ll provide an approximate number of hours you may asked to work, however there is no obligation for work to be offered, and there’s no obligation for you to accept the work offered.

The opportunity

In this rewarding role, you will support learners with learning difficulties and disabilities to achieve their goals, develop independence, and prepare for adulthood. As a Student Support Worker, you will provide personalised curriculum and pastoral support, ensuring learners can fully access the College’s opportunities. Working with individuals and small groups, you will promote engagement, participation, and social inclusion in a range of settings, including classrooms, workshops, and community spaces.

You will help learners build confidence, form positive relationships, and navigate their environment, including classrooms, break-out areas, and communal facilities. Your support will also focus on developing core skills in literacy, numeracy, and communication. Occasionally, you may assist with personal care needs, always maintaining dignity and respect, with training provided as required.

A key part of your role will involve promoting independence by helping learners develop essential life skills, make decisions, solve problems, and prepare for employment or further education. You will empower learners to navigate their futures confidently and independently.

You will assist learners in accessing the College’s facilities and resources, helping them feel comfortable and supported in all aspects of their environment. By fostering motivation, engagement, and positive behaviours, you will create a supportive atmosphere where students can thrive and overcome challenges.

Beyond the classroom, you will facilitate community involvement through trips, outreach activities, and work across different College sites, broadening learners’ experiences and applying their skills in real‑world contexts.

Barnsley College will provide tailored support to achieve further qualifications in this post. However, relevant or transferable work experience is required to be considered.

About you

You will be a compassionate and proactive individual who is passionate about supporting learners with diverse needs. You should bring relevant experience, ideally from educational or care environments, with a solid understanding of how to adapt support to meet the needs of learners with learning difficulties, disabilities, or additional needs. Familiarity with working in classroom or workshop settings will be highly beneficial.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills are also essential. As you will be working with learners with disabilities, you will need to demonstrate empathy and patience, with the ability to build effective connections with learners, parents, and colleagues. As a collaborative team player, you will also contribute to the department's success by sharing ideas and supporting continuous improvement. Additionally, you will feel confident in managing behaviour, promoting positive attitudes, and addressing challenges constructively.

Organisational skills and the ability to take initiative will be key to your success. You should be comfortable maintaining accurate records, monitoring learner progress, and planning tailored support. Your creative and flexible approach to problem-solving will ensure that learners are engaged, and their unique needs are met.

You will also be committed to inclusivity, safeguarding, and fostering independence among learners, helping them to build skills for adulthood. A willingness to undertake further professional development and adapt to the evolving needs of the department will be essential. Resilience, positivity, and attention to detail will help you thrive in a dynamic environment where your work will make a meaningful impact.

The successful candidate will ideally have, or be willing to work towards:

• GCSE Maths and English Language
• Level 3 Teaching qualification AET/PTLLS
• Level 2 Health and Social Care

Barnsley College will provide tailored support to achieve further qualifications in this post. However, relevant or transferable work experience is required to be considered.

Reasons to join us

• We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
• Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress
• 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
• Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure
• College gym membership with onsite facilities
• Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App
• Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines
• Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our onsite salon
• On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options
• Our shared purpose - We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff

The Barnsley College Advantage

• Being supported to achieve your personal and professional goals
• A range of flexible working opportunities
• Autonomy, Empowerment and Accountability
• Short and Long Term development commitments
• Access to experiencing work in a range of areas
• Working in a Value and Behaviour led organisation
• Reward and Recognition
• Having your voice heard at every levelComprehensive Wellbeing Support

Closing date for applications Sunday 16th August 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.

Job Description and Person Specification

Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.

Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.

We are committed to sustainability, embedding environmentally responsible practices across everything we do and preparing our learners for a low‑carbon future. Find out more about our approach: View our Sustainability Strategy