At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEND in their learning and independence.
- Company: Birmingham Independent College, a specialist college for young people with autism.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, ongoing training, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to inclusive education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students with complex needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting students with additional needs and relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 13689 - 16731 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham
Contract: Permanent Term-Time Contract
Days: Monday to Thursday (4 days)
Hours: 08:30 to 15:00
Salary: £13,689.00 to £16,731.00 pa (dependent on experience)
About Birmingham Independent College (BIC)
BIC is an independent specialist college supporting young people aged 14-25 with autism who have multiple disabilities, including learners with complex needs, functional abilities, and high-performing students. Our ethos is clear: students are not defined by their disabilities, but supported to realise their potential. For those with more complex needs, we deliver an experiential, independence-focused curriculum that prioritises functionality, life skills, and meaningful engagement with the wider community. This pathway supports our learners in developing greater autonomy, confidence in everyday life and social integration.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Specialist Support Assistant to join our SEND team. This role is ideal for someone who has a minimum of 2 years UK school/college experience supporting students with additional needs and is confident delivering targeted interventions with increasing independence. You will play a key role in supporting students with complex needs ensuring they can access learning, develop independence, and achieve positive outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality 2:1, 1:1 and small group support for students with SEND.
- Deliver structured intervention programmes (e.g., literacy, numeracy, social skills, emotional regulation).
- Support the implementation of individual support plans and EHCP targets.
- Monitor, track and evaluate student progress.
- Contribute to the review of EHCP targets and support plans.
- Adapt classroom resources to meet individual needs.
- Support positive behaviour strategies and inclusion across the college.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENCO, and external professionals.
Essential
- Proven experience supporting complex needs students.
- Experience delivering targeted interventions independently.
- Understanding of inclusive education and adaptive teaching (differentiation) strategies.
- Strong communication and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to build positive, professional relationships with students and families.
- GCSE English and Maths or equivalent (Grade 4/C or above).
- Relevant Level 2 qualification (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum of 2 years UK school/college work experience.
- Specialist training in areas such as ASC, SEMH, Speech & Language, or behaviour support.
- Experience supporting students with EHCPs.
What We Offer
- A supportive and inclusive working environment.
- Ongoing CPD and specialist training.
- A collaborative and forward-thinking leadership team.
Safeguarding
Birmingham Independent College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, verification of qualifications, employment history, references, right to work in the UK and online searches in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). In line with KCSIE, we will complete online searches as part of our due diligence on all shortlisted candidates. If anything is identified as part of these checks, they will be discussed with you at interview. If any safeguarding concerns are identified, we reserve the right to withdraw your application. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. A copy of the college’s Safeguarding Policy, including Child Protection Policy can be found on our website. Birmingham Independent College requires all applicants to be eligible to work in the UK with no restrictions as we are unable to offer sponsorship/work visas. You will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK, evidence of your qualifications and suitable references.
Specialist Support Assistant - SEND in Birmingham employer: Birmingham Independent College
Birmingham Independent College (BIC) is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong focus on professional development, BIC offers ongoing training opportunities and a collaborative leadership team that values innovative approaches to education. Working in Birmingham, you will be part of a community that prioritises the growth and well-being of young people with complex needs, making your role not just a job, but a meaningful contribution to their lives.
Contact Details:
Birmingham Independent College Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Support Assistant - SEND in Birmingham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Birmingham Independent College.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Birmingham Independent College!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Birmingham Independent College, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Birmingham Independent College or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Support Assistant - SEND in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Birmingham Independent College:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Birmingham Independent College! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham Independent College
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
