At a Glance
- Tasks: Support learners with SEMH needs to re-engage with education and improve their learning experience.
- Company: Join Northumberland College, an Ofsted Outstanding institution with a new state-of-the-art campus.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in relevant fields and experience supporting learners with SEND.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
About the College
Northumberland College is Ofsted Outstanding and is currently building a multi-million, state of the art, new college campus in Ashington, due to open in 2026. The successful candidate will be based at the new college where a purpose-built construction, housing, advanced manufacturing and engineering centre will be located. Curriculum spans technical, vocational further and higher education and includes large apprenticeship provision and dedicated centres for young people with SEND. The College has two main campuses in Ashington and Ponteland, and as part of the college group Education Partnership Northeast, it also has a significant number of satellite delivery centres across the region.
This major £52 million+ investment comes on top of the College recently driving £14 million into new facilities and resources at its existing sites.
Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives
If you’re making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme, a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers. In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government’s targeted retention incentive payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.
You build trust quickly with young people who may feel disconnected from education. You stay calm under pressure, listen well and respond with clarity and consistency. You understand behaviour as communication and you adapt your approach to meet individual need. You are organised, proactive and confident working with families, staff and external agencies. You use your judgement to make decisions that remove barriers and improve engagement. You believe in inclusion, high expectations and early intervention. You focus on strengths, promote independence and help learners take meaningful steps forward.
How will this person be a Changemaker?
You will support learners with SEMH needs to re-engage with education and reduce the risk of them becoming NEET. You will act early, identify need and put the right support in place. You will influence how staff respond to learners and help build a consistent, inclusive culture across the provision.
About the Role
This role sits within our new Connect2 SEMH provision and is focussed on engagement, triage and early intervention. You will be based within a dedicated hub, acting as a key point of contact for learners who need support to access and sustain their learning. This is a new and developing provision, which gives you the opportunity to shape systems, support pathways and learner experience from the start. You will work closely with curriculum teams, support services and external partners to ensure learners receive the right support at the right time. This role offers strong development opportunities in SEND practice, multi-agency working and trauma-informed approaches. You will contribute to staff development and help embed inclusive practice across the college.
Role Responsibilities
- Act as a first point of contact for learners, completing triage, initial assessments and identifying support needs
- Provide short-term interventions, emotional regulation support and clear signposting to services
- Work with curriculum staff and support staff to remove barriers and improve learner engagement
- Use data and learner information to identify risk and track engagement and progress
- Deliver guidance and training to staff to support inclusive practice and early identification of need
- Build effective relationships with families and external agencies to support learner progression
Qualifications
- Level 3 qualification in Learning Support, Youth Work, Health and Social Care or related field
- Level 2 English and Maths (or equivalent)
- Experience supporting learners with SEND, particularly SEMH needs
- Experience carrying out assessments, triage or structured learner support
- Experience working with multi-agency services and signposting support
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with learners and families
- Ability to use data to identify need and inform support strategies
- Ability to manage records accurately and work to deadlines
- Training or experience in mental health or trauma-informed practice
- Experience delivering staff training or guidance
- Knowledge of the SEN Code of Practice
- Experience working in post-16 or alternative provision settings
- Experience supporting learners at risk of disengagement or NEET
What’s in it for you?
Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package. Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays. Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role). Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more. We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans. Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Free parking on most campuses. Free Gym access available at Bede Campus.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities. We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply. As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check. We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Engagement Practitioner employer: Education Partnership North East
Northumberland College is an outstanding employer that prioritises employee development and wellbeing, offering a generous holiday allowance, flexible working options, and extensive support for physical, mental, and financial health. Located at a state-of-the-art campus in Ashington, employees have the unique opportunity to shape a new provision focused on engagement and inclusion, while benefiting from a culture that values diversity and encourages professional growth.
Contact Detail:
Education Partnership North East Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engagement Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the college's values and recent developments. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission to support learners with SEMH needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around engagement strategies and working with families. We want to see your passion for inclusion and early intervention!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Engagement Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Engagement Practitioner. We want to see how you can be a Changemaker in our new Connect2 SEMH provision!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your experience with learners who have SEMH needs. We’re looking for someone who understands behaviour as communication, so give us examples of how you've supported learners in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Education Partnership North East
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of an Engagement Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around supporting learners with SEMH needs and working with multi-agency services. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to build relationships with learners and families, as well as your skills in triage and support. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for the interviewers to see how you can contribute to their team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the college's approach to inclusion and early intervention strategies. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the college's values align with yours.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in interviews. Be honest about your experiences and how they have shaped your approach to supporting learners. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can connect with young people, so let your personality shine through!
