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: Opportunity to shape a new provision and develop inclusive practices.
- Why this job: Be a changemaker by helping students overcome barriers and thrive in education.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Learning Support or related field; experience with SEND preferred.
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. Served by easy road links, and the new train station in Ashington, when Northumberland College opens its new Department for Education backed campus at Wansbeck Business Park, the college will boast a national trailblazer both in architectural design and operation. 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. Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider; they do not apply to every vacancy.
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 (Excluding Term Time Only contracts). Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role). LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme – depending 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 in London employer: Education Partnership North East
Northumberland College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and wellbeing. With a generous holiday allowance, flexible working options, and access to extensive wellbeing resources, staff are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The new state-of-the-art campus in Ashington not only enhances the learning environment for students but also provides employees with the unique opportunity to shape innovative educational practices in a forward-thinking institution.
Contact Detail:
Education Partnership North East Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engagement Practitioner in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college and its values! Research Northumberland College's mission and recent developments, like the new campus. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff or alumni on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process. Plus, it’s a great way to get insider info!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to engagement and support for learners with SEMH needs. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate how you can make a difference in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Engagement Practitioner in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting learners shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, especially those with SEMH needs.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supporting learners with SEND. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in triage, assessments, and working with families and external agencies.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, so we can easily see how you fit into our vision of inclusion and support.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Northumberland College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Education Partnership North East
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Engagement Practitioner inside out. Familiarise yourself with the college's mission, values, and the specific needs of learners with SEMH challenges. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, highlight your ability to build trust and rapport with young people. Share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with learners who may feel disconnected from education. This will demonstrate your understanding of behaviour as communication and your commitment to inclusion.
✨Be Proactive in Problem-Solving
Prepare to discuss how you've identified barriers to learning in the past and the strategies you've implemented to overcome them. The interviewers will be looking for your ability to use data and insights to inform your support strategies, so come ready with examples that showcase your proactive approach.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with curriculum teams and external partners, emphasise your collaborative skills. Talk about times when you've successfully worked in a team to support learners or improve engagement. This will show that you're not just a lone wolf but someone who thrives in a supportive environment.
