Specialist Learning Support Assistant - Medical Needs

Address: Countywide in Suffolk, Hybrid and community working

Salary: £28,598 per annum (pro rata)

Hours: Posts 1 and 2: 35 hours per week and Post 3: 28 hours per week (term time only working)

Contract: Posts 1 and 2: Permanent and Post 3: Fixed Term Contract or Secondment up to 15 October 2027 as Secondment cover

At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change. As a Specialist Learning Support Assistant (Medical Needs) in our Inclusion Services, you’ll see first-hand the impact of your work on children and young people with complex medical needs across Suffolk. By providing specialist support, you’ll help pupils access education, build confidence, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Your role and responsibilities

• Support children and young people aged 2½ to 19 with complex medical needs to access education.
• Deliver medical interventions in line with individual healthcare plans, such as administering medication, gastrostomy or naso-gastric feeding, oxygen therapy, and tracheostomy care (full training provided).
• Assist with moving and handling, personal care, and meeting pupils’ daily hygiene, nutritional and developmental needs.
• Work alongside teachers to support learning, help differentiate the curriculum, and contribute to individual education plans.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to quality assurance processes.
• Work in a variety of settings including schools, homes, and community environments.
• Build positive working relationships with families, schools, care coordinators, and other professionals.
• Identify and escalate safeguarding or risk concerns appropriately.

You will need

• A suitable Level 3 qualification or at least 2 years’ equivalent experience in healthcare or education.
• An awareness and understanding of medical conditions such as epilepsy.
• Experience of working directly with children or young people and their families.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to keep clear and accurate records.
• The confidence to work independently, while knowing when to seek guidance.
• A willingness to undertake specialist and mandatory training.
• A genuine commitment to making a positive difference for children and families.

The team supports children and young people with complex medical needs to access education across Suffolk. You’ll be part of a supportive and knowledgeable team, managed and trained by qualified children’s nurses (Care Coordinators). Training is provided to help you develop specialist medical skills, and you’ll be supported to grow in confidence and capability within the role.

Community-based and flexible working are part of how we operate, supporting a healthy work–life balance wherever possible.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation.

For more information

Please contact Olivia Rudland (She/Her), Clinical Manager for the Specialist Learning Support Service, for a casual conversation. You can contact her by either calling 01473 260967 or emailing olivia.rudland@suffolk.gov.uk

How to apply

• Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile.
• Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
• Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering specific questions.
• Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 21 May 2026. Interview date: 1 June 2026.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.