Learning and Support Worker

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of learners? We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Learning and Support Worker to join our team! If you are driven by helping others reach their full potential, providing one-on-one support, and creating an inclusive, nurturing environment, this is your chance to be part of something truly rewarding. Bring your compassion, creativity, and commitment to support students in their learning journey and empower them to succeed!

This position is offered on a permanent, full-time basis, working 37 hours per week.

We are Novus. Novus are a leading provider of prison education and have been supporting men, women, and children of all ages for over 30 years across the UK to take new directions. Novus are currently rated "Good" by Ofsted and have partnerships with over 1000 industry and employer partners to ensure our learners secure their place as the movers and shakers of the future. Our business is growing year on year due to our continued success as a leading provider in prison education.

Site Information: HMYOI Wetherby is a Young Offender Institution located in Wetherby, West Yorkshire. YOI serves as an important correctional facility within the UK's youth justice system. The facility is a closed youth custody centre housing male juvenile offenders between the ages of 15 to 18. It provides a secure and supportive environment for young individuals who have been convicted of various offenses and require custodial sentences. The institution aims to promote rehabilitation, education, and personal development to facilitate their successful reintegration into society.

Role Responsibilities: As directed by the Local Education Manager, Head of Education or Curriculum Manager, you will carry out induction, screening and assessment activities for prospective and existing learners. You will discuss and agree support needs and starting points for learning within the prison, encouraging and motivating prisoners to engage in education. By providing prospective learners with relevant and easily understood information regarding learning, skills provision and continuing support, and by signposting learners to relevant agencies, you will contribute toward a multi-disciplinary approach to support eventual resettlement of prisoners into the community. Please also see the attached role profile for a list of general role responsibilities. Further details will be provided during the interview process.

Novus Benefits:

• 35 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
• 2 hours for wellbeing / personal development per week
• Significant pension contribution (LGPS)
• Retail Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Cycle to work scheme

To be successful in this role, you will need to:

• Understand how people learn and methods that can be used to enhance a learning experience
• Have a track record of working effectively with people presenting with challenging behaviour
• Show effective communication & interpersonal and IT skills
• Hold a Hidden Difficulties Level 2 qualification or equivalent (or be willing to work towards within an agreed timeframe)
• Hold Level 2 qualifications in Literacy and Numeracy (or be willing to work towards within an agreed timeframe)
• Have experience of conducting assessments and supporting learning of individuals and groups (Desirable)
• Have experience of working with groups of learners with a range of abilities (Desirable)
• Have experience of successful working in an effective multi-disciplinary team (Desirable)

The above criteria are listed as essential on the role profile. However, there might be options available for applicants with a suitable skillset and level of experience to apply and complete qualifications while in-post.

Safeguarding: Novus as part of the LTE Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be required to undergo an appropriate DBS check via the Criminal Records Bureau and may be subject to additional online checks as part of our pre-screening process. Some roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and would require an Enhanced DBS check.

Equal Opportunities Statement: Novus is committed to providing an environment where everyone is valued as an individual and where learners and colleagues can work, learn, flourish and develop their skills and knowledge in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. We are committed to working in an inclusive way with all the communities in which we are geographically located and to developing a workforce and learner community that reflects the UK's rich diversity and vibrancy.

The closing date for this job advert is 15/07/2025. However, sometimes the job advert may close early if we receive a good response.