At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special needs and help them access the curriculum.
- Company: Gosforth Academy, a community-focused school in Newcastle.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, cycle to work scheme, and free parking.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to professional development and student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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
If you would like to discuss this vacancy further, or you are unable to complete the online application form and require this in another format please contact us by email: peoplegosforth@gosforthgroup.org.uk or telephone: 0191 429 9797, option 4.
Applications are shortlisted for interview as they are received, and so early application is encouraged. We reserve the right to commence the interview process and close the vacancy prior to this date. The Trust is committed to equality, inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Support Assistant Special Needs in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Gosforth Group
Gosforth Academy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where Learning Support Assistants can thrive. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on community, employees benefit from competitive salaries, excellent pension schemes, and opportunities for career advancement within the Gosforth Group. Join a dedicated team that values resilience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to make a meaningful impact on students' lives in the vibrant setting of Newcastle upon Tyne.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Assistant Special Needs 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 Group.
✨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 Group!
✨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 Group, 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 Group 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 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 Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Gosforth Group! 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 Group
✨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.
