Learning Support Assistant

Together we make a difference, develop and learn, and support each other. Every day with us is different, but our mission remains the same: helping the people we support celebrate along the road to a brighter future. 

We believe that everyone deserves a chance to learn and space to thrive and that the right education can change lives. You’ll help break down barriers to education for young people, helping them learn and grow at their own pace. 

Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of the students we support?

The role of a Learning Support Assistant is to provide support for students in their learning which includes their extended curriculum, external placements and visits, 1-1 and small group sessions – under direction of a session leader. You will also support students with the full range of communication systems, eating and drinking, personal care, mobility, medication and therapy subject to supervision and training.

Bridge College is the Together Trust’s specialist education college for students aged 16 to 25 years with disabilities, complex needs and autism. Bridge College promotes a multidisciplinary approach to learning and has expertise in supporting students with a wide range of needs. 

Hours - 34.5 hours per week worked over 39 weeks per year (term time role)

Monday 08:30-4:00pm Tuesday – Friday 08:30am – 3:15pm.

Starting salary - £18,667.17 (salary already pro-rated to working weeks worked) The full time equivalent is £23,412 per annum.

Location - Bridge College, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2GR

Are you passionate about equity, fairness, and everyone having the right to a happy, fulfilled life? Do you want your employer to support your wellbeing and ambitions to progress your career and development?

We offer a comprehensive range of CPD opportunities to support personal and career development and you will also be joining a great team of likeminded people with the students at the heart of what they do.

Key tasks within this role are:

• To provide support and guidance to the young people by removing barriers to their learning as well as supporting and facilitating changes and transitions along the journey of excellence.
• Contributing to all relevant aspects of planning, recording and evidencing progression 
• Be an active participant in supporting the timetable in all it’s different contexts - assisting and supporting students within learning environments including swimming and hydrotherapy in the College’s purpose-built pool and other therapy and/or leisure facilities and on residential courses.
• Maintaining records using Data bridge and other college information and recording systems.
• Contribute to planning and review processes. 
• Liaising with families, carers and others as necessary and with regard for the confidentiality required by the college and the Together Trust.

What can you bring to our students….?

• Can you support our students in obtaining their potential by demonstrating a commitment to achievement and an understanding of working with the needs of students with learning difficulties?
• Do you thrive working as part of a team which includes teachers, speech & language therapists, educational psychologists and other educational assistants?
• We are seeking individuals with experience of working with young adults with additional needs who may on occasion display challenging behaviour.

Why work for us?

• 27 day holiday plus 8 days bank holidays rising to 30 after 5 years, 33 days after 10 years.
• Generous pension scheme and death in service benefit , up to 7% company pension contributions and up to 6 x basis salary death in service
• Occupational sick pay and family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoptive leave.
• Reward and Discount platform offering discounts at high street shops, travel, insurances etc.
• Free on-site parking
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Eligibility to apply for Blue Light card.
• Proud to be a real living wage employer.
• Refer a friend scheme, be rewarded for recommending a friend to work with us
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including apprenticeship qualifications.
• Long service awards including cash gifts and extra holiday.
• Promotion of Wellbeing across the organization including Mental Health First Aiders offering wellbeing support from trained colleague and free weekly yoga session in person or online
• Access to our Employee Assistance program for you and adults at your home

Visit our website - https://www.togethertrust.org.uk/join-us to discover more about Bridge College and the Together Trust.

Take a look at our short video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECkSkJV6Qeg

If this sounds like a place for you and you think you have the relevant skills and experience, we are looking for please get in touch at jobs@togethertrust.org.uk or apply now. We would love to hear from you!

We may remove this position should we find the successful candidate prior to the closing date therefore early applications are encouraged.

This role expires 14th November 2024.

We currently do not provide sponsorship but we welcome applications from those who have the right to work in the UK.

Applications are very welcome from all regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socio-economic background. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for disabled people. We positively encourage applications from those with lived experience. 

If there is any part of your lived experience you want to keep confidential in some way please talk to the Recruitment or HR shared service teams and we will do what we can to support you