Supported Employment Assistant

Bedford College Group; Bedford; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Bedford is looking for a Supported Employment Assistant to help students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) gain meaningful work experience. The role involves delivering support, liaising with employers, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. The ideal candidate will have experience in educational support and strong communication skills. This is a full-time, permanent position with a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus Bank holidays

People's pension

Retail and Leisure Discounts

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of post-16 learner support and the Equality Act.
• Experience supporting students with learning difficulties/disabilities.
• Experience liaising with employers.

Responsibilities

• Support students with SEND to access meaningful work placements.
• Deliver 1:1 and group support during placements.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to continuous improvement.

Skills

Ability to deliver high-quality learning experiences

Maintain accurate records

Communicate effectively

Work independently

Education

Level 2 Learner Support Certificate (or willingness to work towards)

Level 2 in Maths and English

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Supported Employment Assistant

Role: Supported Employment Assistant

Location: Bedford College - Cauldwell Street Campus

Salary & Benefits: Salary is between £23,557 and £26,754 per annum DOE and Qualifications, 27 days annual leave plus Bank holidays, People's pension, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.

Hours / Weeks: 37 hours per week - 52 weeks per year

Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time

This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we're unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.

About the Role

We are currently seeking a Supported Employment Assistant to join our Specialist Provision department at The Bedford College Group.

• Role Purpose – Support students with SEND to access meaningful work placements, fostering independence, confidence, and employability through strong employer partnerships and inclusive practices.
• Student Support – Deliver 1:1 and group support during placements, conduct workplace reviews, run Job Club, and provide mentoring and induction guidance for staff and students.
• Employer Engagement – Develop and maintain vocational profiles, liaise with employers to secure placements, advocate for reasonable adjustments, and promote inclusive workplace practices.
• Administration & Compliance – Maintain accurate records (e.g., progress reports, systematic instruction training), complete health and safety assessments, and contribute to continuous improvement of the Pathways programme.
• Statutory Duties – Uphold safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion, and health & safety standards; actively participate in training and development to maintain professional expertise.

About You

• Qualifications – Level 2 Learner Support Certificate (or willingness to work towards); Level 2 in Maths and English.
• Knowledge & Experience – Working knowledge of post-16 learner support and Equality Act; experience supporting students with learning difficulties/disabilities in educational or workplace settings; liaising with employers; and using Microsoft Office.
• Core Skills – Ability to deliver high‑quality learning experiences, maintain accurate records, communicate effectively (face‑to‑face, written, telephone), and work independently while contributing positively to a team.
• Attributes & Values – Positive, adaptable attitude; flexible approach to work patterns; commitment to safeguarding and professional boundaries; ability to support mobility and personal care needs; and promote the College's reputation.
• Additional Requirements – Willingness to work across sites; understanding of diverse student needs; and readiness to uphold health, safety, and safeguarding responsibilities.

Interviews to be held: TBC

Organisational Values

• Valuing Teamwork – We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
• Improving Continuously – We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
• Student Centred – At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
• Inclusive – We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
• Open and Caring – We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
• Nurturing Education Excellence – We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.

About The Bedford College Group

The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year. Today, the Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in the towns of Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College, a specialist land‑based college; The Bedford Sixth Form (the only dedicated sixth form in Bedford); The Corby Sixth Form (opened in September 2023); and the National College for Motorsport alongside Silverstone race circuit. To widen accessibility to education and training, the Group also has community‑based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering which offer IT training.

Safeguarding and Vetting

The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975 provide information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions; further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on employment of ex‑offenders is attached to this vacancy. Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.