Learning Support Specialist

Join to apply for the Learning Support Specialist role at The City of Liverpool College.

Application Deadline: 5 January 2026

Department: Learning Support

Location: Liverpool

Compensation: £27,598 – £29,911 / year

Description

This role is designed to contribute to the achievement of excellence in student support through innovative and effective educational practices. You will be responsible for assessing and providing tailored support to students of all ages with a variety of learning difficulties and/or disabilities, including moderate learning difficulties, physical, mental, sensory, and specific learning challenges. Your role will involve creating comprehensive support action plans that guide teachers and support staff in addressing the individual needs of each learner, ensuring that students have the necessary resources and strategies to overcome barriers to learning and access. You will provide consistent and flexible support across all academic levels, from Level 1 through Level 4, to help students reach their full potential. The purpose of your support is not only to improve participation and achievement but also to foster confidence and independence, empowering students to become more self‑sufficient.
By working collaboratively with teachers, support staff, and other professionals, you will help create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that allows all students to succeed and thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute fully to the mission and values statement of the College ensuring its effective implementation in all aspects of college life.
• Contribute to the College and Department’s strategic objectives and actively engage in the annual review.
• Stay aware of developments in subject area and update knowledge and skills on an annual basis.
• Have a good knowledge of the impact of various learning difficulties/disabilities on students learning and maintain a good track record of assessing and meeting those needs.
• Deliver high quality support to achieve effective participation of assigned students in the learning process.
• Plan and use a range of effective and appropriate support techniques to engage and motivate students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and encourage independence and autonomy.
• Establish a purposeful and motivating learning environment where students feel safe, secure, confident and valued.
• Establish and maintain a professional relationship with students that promotes appropriate behaviour, communication and respect, while challenging discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
• Arrange for access to initial assessments/interviews.
• Undertake assessment of support needs.
• Carry out learning support duties as per timetable.
• Maintain records of delivered support to ensure quality assurance.
• Collaborate with appropriate external agencies when required.
• Monitor students’ progress and attendance, reporting concerns to the team leader when necessary.
• Liaise with tutors to ensure students are effectively supported and that all identified differentiation strategies are implemented as specified in the learning support action plan.
• Liaise with Team Leader and Progress Leaders to identify areas of concern regarding students pastoral and academic needs.
• Assist students with personal care as/when appropriate.
• Understand external/internal assessment procedures and play an appropriate part in them, e.g. supporting exams as invigilators, prompters, readers/scribes.
• Evaluate and improve own communication skills to maximise effective communication and overcome barriers.
• Liaise with the line manager in contributing to the administration necessary to support the business needs of the Department and the College.
• Encourage students on your case load to attend Maths and English sessions and report concerns to relevant senior staff.
• Review personal professional development needs and participate fully in future training and development.
• Communicate and consult with parents, carers and students including Parent’s Evening, Welcome Evenings, other events and open evenings.
• Ensure that all students on your timetable comply with College’s policies and procedures.
• All employees have a responsibility to carry out the duties of the post in line with the new public sector equality duty and our commitment to promote and advance equality of opportunity within the college.

Generic Duties

• Contribute fully to the mission and values statement of the College Group ensuring effective implementation across all aspects of college life.
• Take proactive responsibility for Health & Safety and maintain a safe working environment and practices at all times.
• Comply with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
• Support cross-college activities as required, particularly during key enrolment and invigilation periods.
• Carry out any other relevant and appropriate duties as determined by the needs of the service and the grade.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential

• Educated to Level 2 in English and Math.
• Level 3 qualification or above in a related field. Note: consideration may be given to equivalent experience with a willingness to work towards a relevant qualification in line with this criteria but preference will be given to those with an existing qualification.
• Excellent computer literacy – ability to use the current IT programs of the College.
• Experience of assessing students’ needs in an educational setting.
• Proven relevant experience of supporting students in an educational setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of disabilities and/or learning difficulties.
• High level of communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Engaged in Continuing Professional Development.
• Ability to set high standards for students, colleagues and for themselves.

Desirable

• An ICT qualification.

Benefits

Why Join The City of Liverpool College?

As a valued member of our College community, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits, dedicated wellbeing support, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth and development.

Pension Scheme

You’ll be part of the Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of up to 20.20%, one of the best pension packages in the sector.

Leave entitlement

Up to 30 days annual holiday allowance, plus 1 wellbeing day. You’ll also benefit from 5 to 7 days statutory closure and 2 further days closure at Easter.

Employee Benefit Platform

Access to the COLC Employee Benefits Platform, a one-stop hub for a wide range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, work‑life balance, and everyday savings. Includes discounts at major supermarkets, fashion and lifestyle retailers, tech stores, travel providers, and more. Benefits include the Cycle to Work Scheme, cinema and leisure discounts and tech and home appliance discounts, with option of salary sacrifice.

Health and Wellbeing

Access to the Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – a confidential support service available 24/7, 365 days a year. Includes helpline, counselling, and structured support for a range of issues. Also online wellbeing portal and Wisdom App with mood trackers, wellbeing tools, meditation guides, fitness videos and self‑help modules.

Free eye test through voucher scheme with Specsavers, covering a full eye exam (worth up to £25) and even includes £45 towards a pair of glasses. Free flu vaccinations available.

Travel

Interest‑free loans to buy annual travel passes from Merseytravel and Merseyrail, providing up to two months free travel without upfront cost.

Flexible Working

Flexible working options depending on business need to support work‑life balance.

Professional Development

Formal and informal professional development opportunities to sharpen skills, expand knowledge and accelerate career.

College Benefits

Sports and fitness facilities free of charge, discounted hair and beauty treatments at Academy and Graduate Hair & Beauty Salons, staff discount at Academy Restaurant.

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Other

Industries

Higher Education

All employees have a responsibility to carry out the duties of the post in line with the new public sector equality duty and our commitment to promote and advance equality of opportunity within the college.