Learning Coach

JOB DESCRIPTION

Learning Coach (Students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities – SEND)

Working Hours

Term Time Only – 39 weeks per year

• Monday \& Tuesday: 8:30am – 4:15pm
• Wednesday, Thursday \& Friday: 8:30am – 3:30pm

34 hours per week

Salary: £20,652 per annum (actual salary)

Location

The post will involve working across Rotherham Opportunities College sites, as well as accompanying students on community visits, educational trips and work experience placements.

Purpose of the Role

To support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to access learning, develop independence and achieve their individual goals in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support students to learn, develop and achieve by responding appropriately to their individual needs while promoting their safety, wellbeing and independence.
• Support students during work experience placements following completion of relevant training provided by the college.
• Encourage and facilitate student communication, interaction and participation throughout the college day.
• Provide personal care and administer medication where required and appropriately trained.
• Prepare learning environments and resources as directed by teaching staff.
• Support tutors in promoting positive behaviour and report concerns or difficulties as appropriate.
• Contribute to monitoring student progress by being aware of individual learning targets and supporting assessment activities.
• Prepare, maintain and use learning resources and equipment to support teaching and learning activities.
• Supervise students during non-teaching times, including before and after college sessions and during lunch breaks.
• Comply with all college policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality, equality, diversity, inclusion and data protection.
• Report any safeguarding or welfare concerns promptly in accordance with college procedures.
• Contribute positively to the wider ethos, values and aims of the college.
• Attend mandatory training, team meetings and professional development activities as required.
• Essential Skills and Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to adapt communication to meet individual needs.
• The ability to build positive and professional relationships with students, colleagues, parents/carers and external partners.
• The ability to work independently, use initiative and remain calm under pressure.
• A willingness to develop knowledge and understanding of SEND, inclusive practice and the education system.
• A flexible, patient and compassionate approach to supporting learners.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload effectively.
• Experience
• Experience of working with young people in an educational, care, youth work, sports coaching, childcare or similar setting.

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive, professional relationships with students, colleagues and families.
• A caring, patient and supportive approach to working with young people.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and respond calmly under pressure.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to follow guidance and procedures.
• Basic IT skills and the ability to complete records accurately.

Personal Qualities

• Compassionate, approachable and positive.
• Reliable, flexible and able to work collaboratively.
• Committed to treating all students with dignity, respect and kindness.
• A willingness to learn, undertake training and develop professionally.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• An understanding of the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working with students or adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• Knowledge or understanding of inclusive education and person-centred approaches.
• Experience of supporting personal care needs.
• Experience of supporting students in community settings or work placements.
• Experience of supporting individuals to achieve their potential and encouraging independence.
• Experience of working as part of a team.
• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

· An Enhanced DBS check is required for this post and will be arranged by the college.

· Rotherham Opportunities College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before appointment.

Benefits:

• Canteen
• Company pension

Work Location: In person