Learning Support Specialist - West/East Midlands in Walsall

Overview

Additional Learning Support (ALS) Specialist

Salary: £26,000 – £30,000 per annum

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Reports to: Student Support Manager

Location: Multi-site (travel required across Juniper centres). You need to be located within a reasonable distance to at least 2 Juniper Training Centres.

DBS: Enhanced

About The Role

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Additional Learning Support (ALS) Specialist to help raise standards of SEND support across our apprenticeship provision. This is a key role within Juniper, focused on improving outcomes for apprentices with learning difficulties, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and additional vulnerabilities. You will drive the implementation of effective, individualised support and interventions, while ensuring compliance with Department for Education (DfE) funding rules and best practice. You will work collaboratively with Apprenticeship Recruitment Consultants, Skills Coaches, Onboarding Specialists, employers, and external agencies to ensure apprentices with SEND feel supported, included, and able to succeed. The role also includes acting as a Deputy Safeguarding Lead, supporting the welfare of all learners and promoting British Values.

Key Responsibilities

• Delivery & Learner Support: Deliver monthly ALS interventions to your allocated cohort of apprentices.
• Oversee the ALS function across all apprenticeship provision, ensuring procedures are followed and targets are met.
• Support the development and delivery of robust Apprenticeship Support Plans, including use of Cognassist.
• Implement and review effective strategies and reasonable adjustments in learning and the workplace.
• Coordinate End Point Assessment access arrangements and signpost to Access to Work where appropriate.
• Work closely with ARCs and local authorities to support apprentices with EHCPs and high needs.
• Support Skills Coaches with EHCP annual reviews and attend reviews when required.
• Ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010, SEND Code of Practice, Apprenticeship Standards, and Ofsted requirements.

Training & Staff Development

• Plan, schedule and deliver SEND-focused training for staff across the organisation.
• Continuously develop staff knowledge and confidence in supporting apprentices with SEND and vulnerabilities.
• Act as a mentor to new or underperforming staff to raise standards in teaching, learning and assessment.
• Contribute to company-wide training days and CPD initiatives.
• Monitor the impact of training and recommend improvements.

Compliance & Funding

• Ensure all evidence for monthly Additional Learning Support funding claims is compliant with DfE funding rules.
• Maximise ALS claims while maintaining robust quality assurance.
• Maintain and develop SEND-related policies, processes and documentation.

Safeguarding

• Act as Deputy Safeguarding Lead, supporting apprentices and staff with emerging concerns.
• Promote safeguarding, Prevent and British Values across the organisation.

Person Specification

Essential

• Level 3 Teaching qualification
• Strong understanding of learner needs, barriers and effective interventions
• Experience supporting learners with SEND and/or additional vulnerabilities
• Excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and manage competing priorities
• Confident delivering training and developing others
• Good IT skills
• Willingness to travel across Juniper centres

Desirable

• Knowledge of ALS funding requirements
• Dyslexia, ADHD and Autism CPD training
• Level 3 Dyslexia qualification
• Level 2 ADHD qualification
• Coaching or mentoring qualification
• Level 4/5 Teaching qualification
• Postgraduate Specialist Teaching qualification in SEND

Perks & Benefits

• 25 days holiday, increasing to 30 with service
• Buy & sell annual leave
• Earn an extra week of leave just by exercising!
• Paid mileage (35p per mile, above normal work mileage)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long service & special recognition awards
• Juniper Lottery & Dragons Den competitions
• PRIDE monthly celebrations
• Early Finish Fridays (2:30pm!)
• Christmas Savings Club
• Eyecare reimbursement
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme (after 5 years service)
• Critical Illness Cover (after 5 years service)
• Corporate events throughout the year!

Diversity & Inclusion

At Juniper, we believe that language should never be a barrier to opportunity. We are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and provide a work environment free from discrimination. We actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

At Juniper, we are committed to safer recruitment practices to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We carefully scrutinise all applications, thoroughly checking employment history and references to identify any gaps or inconsistencies. Where appropriate, we conduct enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks to ensure candidates meet our high standards of integrity and suitability for the role. Our approach reflects our dedication to creating a safe, supportive, and secure environment for everyone within our organisation.

If you require any accommodations during the application process, please let us know, and we will do our best to provide assistance. Join us in building a workplace that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion for all.