Engagement Support Assistant
Engagement Support Assistant

Engagement Support Assistant

Full-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Derby College

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support students with SEMH needs through personalised interventions and group sessions.
  • Company: Join Derby College Group, a vibrant educational institution dedicated to student success.
  • Benefits: Enjoy perks like a pension scheme, discounts, free Microsoft Office, and continuous development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
  • Qualifications: Level 3 vocational qualification and experience supporting post-16 students with SEMH needs required.
  • Other info: This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act; DBS check is mandatory.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

Engagement Support Assistant

Optimistic – Equity – Kindness – Innovation – Collaboration

Derby College Group (DCG) are recruiting for an Engagement Support Assistant at our Broomfield site. If you would like to visit the site and meet the team before applying, please reach out to .

The Opportunity

In this role you will support the learning and development of students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs or those requiring behaviour support. By working closely with teachers and staff, you will play a key role in helping students overcome barriers to learning through the delivery of personalised interventions. You will lead small group and one-to-one support sessions, creating a safe and nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally. Through your efforts, you will promote positive emotional well-being and behaviour across the college, making a lasting impact on students’ educational journeys and personal growth.

For a full explanation of the roles and responsibilities, please click

About you

You will have a strong understanding of emotional regulation strategies and deregulation, you can independently plan, deliver, and evaluate interventions. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential. You will have experience supporting post-16 students with SEMH and behaviour support needs in classroom settings, as well as working with students in small groups and independently. You will hold a Level 3 vocational qualification, and a Mental Health First Aider certification (or willingness to work towards it).

For a full explanation of the Person Specification, please click

The Benefits

  • Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with a 19.9% employer contribution
  • Discount at our Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ onsite Little Explorers Nursery
  • TOTUM discount card (aka NUS/Student Discount Card) / discounted Tastecard
  • Discounts on East Midlands Railway Annual Season Tickets
  • Microsoft Office for FREE with 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage
  • Discount on treatments at SENSI our onsite salon at the Roundhouse
  • Flint Bishop Solicitors – free will writing, 1-hour free consultation with family department, 10% discount on Conveyancing services
  • Continuous development and progression opportunities
  • Free eye tests with Specsavers
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Cycle to Work Scheme

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace which promotes and values diversity. We welcome all talent irrespective of age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. We ensure that our policies and procedures treat all applicants consistently and fairly during our recruitment process.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, reasonable adjustments, or about the role, please contact us at hrrecruitment@derby-college.ac.uk.

Safeguarding statement

DCG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. An online search of the preferred candidate is also completed to help to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which the college may need to explore with the candidate further. Please be advised that it is an offence to apply for this position if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

If you require visa sponsorship

Please note that unfortunately, this role is ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points-based immigration system. Applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK but would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route. Please consult the for further information.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a PSL of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list.

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Engagement Support Assistant employer: Derby College

Derby College Group (DCG) is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its staff and students. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, DCG offers a supportive work culture where Engagement Support Assistants can thrive through continuous professional development opportunities and a range of attractive benefits, including generous pension contributions and discounts on various services. Working at our vibrant college sites not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on students' lives but also provides a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.
Derby College

Contact Detail:

Derby College Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Engagement Support Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with SEMH requirements. Understanding their challenges and how to support them will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former Engagement Support Assistants if possible. They can provide insights into the role and the college environment, which can be invaluable during your application process.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific strategies for emotional regulation and behaviour support during your interview. Having concrete examples ready will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your commitment to continuous professional development. Mention any relevant training or certifications you are pursuing, such as the Mental Health First Aider certification, to highlight your dedication to the field.

We think you need these skills to ace Engagement Support Assistant

Understanding of SEMH needs
Emotional regulation strategies
Behaviour support techniques
Experience in classroom settings
Small group facilitation
One-to-one support delivery
Excellent communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Planning and evaluation of interventions
Ability to create a nurturing environment
Adaptability to individual student needs
Team collaboration with teachers and staff
Commitment to safeguarding practices
Level 3 vocational qualification
Mental Health First Aider certification (or willingness to obtain)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Engagement Support Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the needs of Derby College Group.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience you have in supporting students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully implemented interventions or supported learning in similar settings.

Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to mention your Level 3 vocational qualification and any relevant certifications, such as Mental Health First Aider. If you're willing to work towards it, express this commitment in your application.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only summarises your CV but also conveys your passion for supporting students with SEMH needs. Discuss your understanding of emotional regulation strategies and how you can contribute to creating a nurturing environment at Derby College Group.

How to prepare for a job interview at Derby College

✨Show Your Understanding of SEMH Needs

Make sure to demonstrate your knowledge of social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs during the interview. Share specific examples from your experience where you've successfully supported students with these challenges, highlighting your understanding of emotional regulation strategies.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you would handle various situations involving students with behaviour support needs. Think through potential scenarios in advance and prepare your responses, focusing on your approach to creating a safe and nurturing environment.

✨Highlight Your Communication Skills

Excellent communication is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you effectively communicate with both students and staff. Provide examples of how you've built rapport with students or collaborated with teachers to enhance learning outcomes.

✨Express Your Commitment to Inclusivity

Since the college values diversity and inclusivity, be prepared to discuss how you promote an inclusive environment. Share any experiences where you've worked with diverse groups or adapted your approach to meet the needs of all students.

Engagement Support Assistant
Derby College

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