Learning Support Assistant

About the Role

Here at YPLP we deliver study programmes to local people aged between 16 – 24 years old, who may have behavioural issues or need support academically. Our learners are with us to complete lessons in Maths, English and Preparing for Adulthood and as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) you will be supporting them as they learn the theory and then have the opportunity to put this learning into practice.

Our LSAs work with learners either on a 1:1 basis or in very small groups. We work in learning environments designed to be smaller than your average classroom with classes of no more than 12. Day to day you will be assisting learners by helping manage their behaviour and ensuring they are engaged in lessons where each day presents new opportunities, challenges and possibilities. We have guest speakers coming in, we run project weeks where the LSAs co-ordinate and create themed projects with the learners (then video blog about them!), we hold learning and development days and also site days where the learners can take part in sports activities.

Our current vacancies are at Spalding, Boston, Lincoln and Skegness and we are able to offer a variety of working patterns between 16 and 32 hours per week, either 52 weeks per year or term time.

About the Team

The team know the importance of keeping each other informed, that’s why at the end of each day we have a debrief where we sit down together, write up our records and discuss our day including any challenges we’ve overcome and share learning. Alongside your fellow LSAs the team consists of tutors, behavioural coaches, job coaches and employment officers who all have the same goal – to ensure our learners are engaged and achieving their aim of sustained employment and independence. One of our LSAs says: ‘It’s great to have such a supportive team to take advice from.’

We have LSAs in several sites around the county and we meet up for social events, which could be a meal out or a dog walking afternoon! The wider team also take part in development days where we can catch up with LSAs from other sites, complete important training and take part in fun team-building activities.  

About You

We’re keen to hear from enthusiastic individuals who can use their creative skills to keep young learners engaged and focused. You will need to be pro-active, flexible and understanding of our learners’ needs. You will also need to be highly organised and able to maintain accurate records to a high standard.

Team working is really important to us and you will need to be an effective communicator, relating well to both young people and adults and contributing to the success of the team.

Although previous experience of working with vulnerable learners would be advantageous it is not essential. We are keen to develop our staff and will provide comprehensive and fully funded training including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and Training in Systematic Instruction. Our behaviour management approach is evidence based, informed by the work of Paul Dix, alongside our ethos of learners being Ready, Respectful and Safe.

If you are considering a new career, we would love to hear from you whether you come with years of experience or you are brand new to this environment!

About Our Offer

Our LSAs can progress down various career pathways including becoming Provision Manager, Job Coach, Behaviour Coach or a Tutor. We will support your career progression through training, mentoring and sharing our experience.

Along with a competitive salary we are also offering:

• A contributory pension
• Comprehensive benefits package including excellent discount schemes and cycle to work
• Civil service sports council membership
• Professional support and development
• A generous leave entitlement with the option to buy more

Further details can be found in our rewards and benefits brochure

If this sounds like your next career move, but you are not sure if your skills and experience are exactly what we’re looking for, please call Sarah Bell (YPLP Senior Lead) on 07766 776196 or email sarah.bell@lincolnshire.gov.uk for a confidential and informal discussion about the role.

Although the closing date is 3rd March please do not delay applying as we will be shortlisting and interviewing applications weekly and we will stop accepting applications when a sufficient amount has been received.

Please ensure you specify in your application which location you are interested in.

We wish you the best of luck and look forward to hearing from you!

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. 

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council 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.

Fluency Duty

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.