At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEND in a nurturing environment, promoting engagement and emotional regulation.
- Company: Join Diamonds In The Rough, a supportive alternative provision in Birmingham.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing training, term-time only hours, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for professional growth in a rewarding setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that helps vulnerable children thrive and succeed.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND, patience, and a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 16.5 - 16.5 £ per hour.
For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.
Location: Birmingham City Centre (B1 1PE)
Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
- Wednesday: 9:45am – 4:00pm
Contract: Permanent | Part-Time | Term Time Only
Salary: £13.00–£16.50 per hour (depending on experience)
Start Date: September 2026
Join Our Team
Diamonds In The Rough is a specialist Alternative Provision supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We provide a calm, structured and therapeutic environment where pupils can rebuild confidence, develop emotional regulation and re-engage with learning.
We are currently recruiting an experienced Support Worker / Teaching Assistant and Bank Staff (Contract: Zero-hours initially, with the opportunity to move to a permanent part-time contract based on performance and service demand), to join our growing team.
Our Ethos
Firm. Fair. Fun.
Everything we do is guided by these three principles. We believe children thrive when adults provide clear boundaries, consistent expectations, genuine warmth and opportunities to enjoy learning. We are looking for professionals who can build positive relationships while maintaining high standards and creating a safe, predictable environment.
The Role
You will work closely with pupils who may present with Autism (ASC), ADHD and SEMH needs. Your role will include supporting engagement, emotional regulation, positive behaviour, communication, social development and learning within a small, nurturing Alternative Provision.
No two days are the same, so we are looking for someone who is adaptable, calm and committed to helping young people achieve success.
Essential Experience
Applicants should have experience supporting children or young people with:
- Autism (ASC)
ADHD
SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health)
Behaviour support and emotional regulation
Experience within one or more of the following settings is highly desirable:
- SEND Schools
Alternative Provision
Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)
Specialist Educational Settings
Children's Residential Services
Youth Support Services
The Person We're Looking For
We're seeking someone who is:
- Calm, patient and emotionally resilient
Firm, fair and consistent with boundaries
Positive, energetic and able to make learning enjoyable
Warm, approachable and able to build trusting relationships
Reliable, professional and an excellent team player
Confident managing behaviours positively and consistently
Flexible, proactive and willing to learn
Passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people
Able to use initiative while following agreed plans and routines
If you believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and you share our Firm. Fair. Fun. approach, we'd love to hear from you.
We Offer
- Competitive hourly rate (£13.00–£16.50 per hour DOE)
Ongoing training and professional development
Supportive leadership and experienced staff team
Long-term opportunity within a growing organisation
Term-time only working
A rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference every day
Safeguarding
Diamonds In The Rough is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and safer recruitment procedures.
To apply, please send your CV together with a brief covering statement outlining your relevant SEND experience.
Support Worker / Teaching Assistant - SEND Alternative Provision employer: Diamonds in the Rough
Diamonds In The Rough is an exceptional employer located in Birmingham City Centre, dedicated to supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our firm, fair, and fun ethos fosters a nurturing work environment where staff are encouraged to grow through ongoing training and professional development, while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children. With a focus on teamwork and a commitment to safeguarding, we offer a rewarding part-time role that allows you to contribute positively to the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker / Teaching Assistant - SEND Alternative Provision
✨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 Diamonds in the Rough, 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 Diamonds in the Rough. 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 Diamonds in the Rough's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker / Teaching Assistant - SEND Alternative Provision
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 Diamonds in the Rough. 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 Diamonds in the Rough.
How to prepare for a job interview at Diamonds in the Rough
✨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 Diamonds in the Rough.
✨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 Support Worker / Teaching Assistant - SEND Alternative Provision at Diamonds in the Rough.
✨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 Diamonds in the Rough that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Support Worker / Teaching Assistant - SEND Alternative Provision role.
