At a Glance
- Tasks: Support learners with complex needs and provide personal care in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to making a difference in students' lives.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression in a rewarding field.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping students achieve their full potential.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND and personal care is essential.
We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Student Support Specialist to provide dedicated support to learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including those with complex physical, medical, and learning needs.
This role requires a skilled professional who is confident in delivering personal care, medication support, PEG feeding, and manual handling. You will work closely with teaching staff, therapists, healthcare professionals, and families to ensure learners can safely access education and achieve their full potential.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide one-to-one and small group support to learners with SEND.
- Support learners with personal care, including toileting, changing, dressing, feeding, and personal hygiene.
- Administer medication in line with healthcare plans and organisational procedures.
- Support learners who require PEG feeding, ensuring all procedures are followed safely and accurately.
- Undertake manual handling activities, including the use of hoists, slings, wheelchairs, standing aids, and specialist equipment.
- Assist learners with mobility and positioning requirements.
- Support learners with complex medical needs and follow individual care plans.
- Promote learner independence, wellbeing, dignity, and inclusion.
- Maintain accurate records relating to care, medication, and learner support.
- Follow safeguarding, health and safety, infection control, and risk management procedures at all times.
Essential Requirements
- Experience supporting children or young people with SEND.
- Proven experience providing personal care support.
- Trained and experienced in manual handling and the use of specialist moving and handling equipment.
- Experience administering medication.
- Experience supporting learners with PEG feeding and complex medical needs.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Desirable Qualifications
- Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Health & Social Care, or a related field.
- Current certification in Moving & Handling, Medication Administration, PEG Feeding, First Aid, and Safeguarding.
What We Offer
- A rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in learners' lives.
- Supportive and inclusive working environment.
- Ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Access to employee wellbeing initiatives.
- Opportunities for career progression.
Please note: Due to the complex needs of the learners supported within this role, applicants must have demonstrable experience and training in personal care, medication administration, PEG feeding, and manual handling. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.
Student Support Assistant (Personal Care & Complex Needs) in London employer: Morgan Hunt Recruitment
Morgan Hunt is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in South East London that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on hybrid working, our team enjoys a balanced work-life integration while contributing to the vital financial management of the NHS. We foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring that our employees are equipped with the tools and support they need to excel in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Support Assistant (Personal Care & Complex Needs) in London
✨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 Morgan Hunt Recruitment.
✨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 Morgan Hunt Recruitment!
✨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 Morgan Hunt Recruitment, 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 Morgan Hunt Recruitment 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 Student Support Assistant (Personal Care & Complex Needs) in London
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 Morgan Hunt Recruitment:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Morgan Hunt Recruitment! 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 Morgan Hunt Recruitment
✨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.