At a Glance
- Tasks: Support learners with disabilities to achieve their goals and develop independence.
- Company: Join Barnsley College, a dynamic and inclusive educational environment.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, professional development, and wellness support.
- Other info: Opportunities for career advancement and tailored support for further qualifications.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in education or care, strong communication skills, and empathy.
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 be 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.
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 level
- Comprehensive 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.
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.
Student Support Worker employer: Barnsley College
Barnsley College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and empowering work environment where educators can thrive. With a commitment to professional development, flexible working opportunities, and a focus on wellbeing, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact on the next generation of construction professionals while enjoying a collaborative and inclusive culture at our state-of-the-art CUBE centre.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Support Worker
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Barnsley College, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Barnsley College. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Barnsley College's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Student Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Barnsley College. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Barnsley College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley College
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Barnsley College.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Student Support Worker at Barnsley College.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Barnsley College that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Student Support Worker role.
