At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with social, emotional, and mental health needs through personalised interventions.
- Company: Join Derby College, a vibrant educational institution dedicated to student success and well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days holiday, pension contributions, discounts, and continuous development opportunities.
- Other info: This role is entry-level and offers full-time hours with a focus on personal growth.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Derby College Group (DCG) are recruiting Engagement Support Assistants across our amazing provisions and incredible college sites. If you would like to visit the site and meet the team before applying, please reach out to hrrecruitment@derby-college.ac.uk.
We are looking for Engagement Support Assistants at:
- Joseph Wright Centre - Theoretical and vocational site, which includes supporting curriculum areas such as A Levels and performing arts.
- Roundhouse Campus - Practical and vocational site, which includes supporting curriculum areas such as construction and engineering.
- Broomfield Hall - Practical and vocational site, which includes an open campus to the public from the working livestock and farm.
- Pathways Provision (based at Broomfield Hall) - Pathway to Independence is a personalised programme for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities.
- Steps Provision (based at Roundhouse) - Steps is a personalised programme for those who feel they need support to enter the world of work, to set a future career pathway and to progress their studies.
- Routes Provision (based at Roundhouse) - innovative new programme tailored for students on Level 1 courses, many of whom have experienced barriers to learning.
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.
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).
The Benefits
- 34 days holiday (inclusive of 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days where these occur) pro rata
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with a 20.5% 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 Home Office website 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.
Engagement Support Assistant in Derby employer: Derby College
Derby College is an exceptional employer that prioritises equity, kindness, and innovation within a collaborative work culture. With generous benefits such as 34 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and continuous development opportunities, employees are supported in their professional growth while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. The college's commitment to inclusivity and employee well-being, combined with its vibrant educational environment across multiple campuses, makes it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engagement Support Assistant in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges. Understanding their unique requirements will help you demonstrate your capability to support them effectively during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current or former Engagement Support Assistants at Derby College to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with valuable information about the role and help you tailor your approach when discussing your suitability.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider visiting the college sites before applying. Meeting the team and seeing the environment first-hand can give you a better understanding of the role and allow you to express genuine interest in your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight any relevant experience you have in planning and delivering interventions for students with SEMH needs. Be prepared to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support students, as this will showcase your practical skills and knowledge.
We think you need these skills to ace Engagement Support Assistant in Derby
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 role.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Emphasise any previous experience you have in supporting students with social, emotional, and mental health needs. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to create a nurturing environment and deliver personalised interventions.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your understanding of the challenges faced by students with SEMH needs. Make sure to connect your personal values with those of Derby College, such as equity and collaboration.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an educational setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Derby College
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Engagement Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with SEMH and behaviour support requirements, as well as the various provisions at Derby College.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience supporting post-16 students, particularly those with learning difficulties. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully implemented emotional regulation strategies or personalised interventions.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key in this role. During the interview, showcase your interpersonal skills by engaging actively with the interviewers. Use clear and concise language, and be ready to explain how you would communicate effectively with both students and staff.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the college's approach to supporting students with SEMH needs or how the team collaborates to create a nurturing environment. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the institution.
