At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special needs and help them access the curriculum.
- Company: Join a caring school community dedicated to student support and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, free parking, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunities for wider career development across the Gosforth Group.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Your Role
Please note, there are x2 Support Assistant roles available, however one position is restricted to female applicants due to the need to provide intimate personal care. We are looking for an enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant to join our Student Support Department. The successful candidate will play a key role in working alongside students with a range of needs. Please note that this role does require physical and intimate support for students. Learning Support Assistants work across all Key Stages to ensure up-to-date and accurate information is available for class teachers, and that students are supported to ensure they can access the curriculum. The successful candidate will also be responsible for developing strong pastoral links for the students they work with. In addition, the post holder will be expected, where necessary, to support the wider work of the Student Support Base (SSB).
What we are looking for
- Knowledgeable of SEN
- Experience supporting individuals with learning difficulties or disabilities and young people
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- A commitment to providing high-quality student support and willingness to meet the physical / personal needs of students
- Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills with outstanding attention to detail
- Resilience and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances
- A high degree of emotional intelligence
- A problem solver with a high level of initiative
- An approachable, flexible and effective team player
What we can offer you
- A competitive salary - as an accredited Living Wage Employer, you're guaranteed a wage that meets, and often exceeds, the real cost of living.
- Benefits including; excellent pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking
- An opportunity to work with highly-skilled professionals
- Enthusiastic and motivated students
- An exciting and extensive commitment to professional development
- A school with its community at heart
- Wider career development opportunities to be involved across the Gosforth Group
The Trust is committed to equality, inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Skills Abilities, Skills and Knowledge
- Effective organisation and management skills essential
- Excellent oral and written communication skills essential
- Sympathetic understanding of the broad needs of students aged 11-16 essential
- Ability to maintain paper and electronic records essential
- Ability to converse as easy with students and provide advice in fluent and accurate spoken English essential
- Knowledge of the requirement of the National Curriculum
- Knowledge of the wide range of agencies working in the areas of learning support
Experience
- Experience of working with children and young people essential
Qualifications
- Good general education with English and maths Grade C or above (or equivalent) essential
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent qualification (or experience)
Safeguarding Information
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. This means certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected'. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide and you can view our Policy on the Employment of Ex-offenders on our website within Trust Policies. Gosforth Group are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. References will be requested prior to interview for those candidates shortlisted. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, along with other relevant pre-employment checks.
Support Assistant Special Needs (x2) in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Gosforth Academy
Join our vibrant educational community as an Administrative Assistant Level 3, where your organisational skills and enthusiasm will be valued. We offer a competitive salary as an accredited Living Wage Employer, alongside excellent benefits such as a robust pension scheme and professional development opportunities. Working here means being part of a supportive team dedicated to fostering student success and community engagement in a dynamic school environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Assistant Special Needs (x2) in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Gosforth Academy.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Gosforth Academy!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Gosforth Academy, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Gosforth Academy or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Assistant Special Needs (x2) in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Gosforth Academy:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Gosforth Academy! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gosforth Academy
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
