Learning Support Practitioner - Library Assistant

The LTE Group is a national, public-sector learning, training and education organisation with a clearly defined mission to 'improve lives and economic success through learning and skills'. Our valued 4,000 colleagues drive our delivery of specialist learning to over 100,000 learners in over 120 UK locations, across our six businesses.
We have a great opportunity at HMP Wealstun to join the education team as our Learning Support Practitioner specialising in Library Assistant on a permanent, full-time basis, working 37 hours a week.
At Novus we work with passion, care and commitment to create the foundations for change.
For almost 30 years we have been helping men, women and children of all ages and abilities, in prison settings across England and Wales, to take new directions.
The LTE Group family encompasses the strengths of each of our individual organisations:
The Manchester College - further education UCEN Manchester - higher education Novus - prison education Total People - apprenticeships MOL - professional development.
What the role entails
The purpose of this role is to offer all new arrivals an education induction and promote learning opportunities within the education department. You will need to be able to research men's educational backgrounds, administer basic skills assessments and screen for any LDD needs. In addition, you will write Learning Support plans and assist teachers with strategies to support inclusion across the curriculum.
What we need from you
In order to be successful in the role, you will need:

• To have an understanding of how people learn and methods that can be used to enhance a learning experience
• To have a track record of working effectively with people presenting with challenging behaviour
• Effective communication & inter-personal skills
• Good IT skills
• To hold or be willing to work towards level 2 qualifications in literacy, numeracy within an agreed timescale
• To hold or be willing to work towards a level 2 or 3 qualification for Learning Support Practitioners within an agreed timescale
• Have a track record of working effectively with people presenting challenging behaviour
• Facilitate Library sessions with learners, working to increase library engagement.
• Work with external providers and partners, such as Story Book Mums/Dads, Shannon Trust, and Prison Reading Groups to promote reading and enrichment opportunities.
• Select and maintain the library stock levels/rotation as appropriate, ensuring that the library holds the required mandatory publications.
• Ensure the Library environment is appropriate, with the displays contribute to engaging learners.
• Contribute / research to the overall department enrichment calendar.
• Utilise policies and procedures, for both Novus and HMPPS, to support the wider prison skills and employment and reading strategy.
• Positively contribute to the department as part of the wider team.
• Ensure the safeguarding of learners.
• Provide information on learner progress to stakeholders / staff as required.
• Ensure that learner records and other associated data is accurate and maintained in line with data protection and LTE policies.
• Compliance with LTE/Novus & stakeholder policies and procedures.
• Ensure all Library data is inputted accurately and timely, contributing to third party reporting procedures where required.
• Participate in continual professional development activities to ensure skills and qualifications are in line with sector best practice and third-party requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation and prison security requirements.
• Supervise Orderlies/Peer Mentors, to support the learning experience within the library.

Key Result Areas

• Achievement of targets - such as library usage, stock and rotation and data reporting.
• Accurate and timely reports relating to the library.
• Positive contribution to the establishment in line with wider prisons skills, employment and reading strategy. Contribute positively to the enrichment calendar.
• Positive team working

Desirable

• To actively contribute to the groups commitment to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• To actively contribute to the principles of Equality and Diversity within the group.
• To work flexibly as required on any business unit site or external premises, if required.
• To carry out such training, re-training and updating as may be necessary to fulfil the requirements of the post.
• To ensure duties are carried out with full regard to Health & Safety legislation and to enable the group to meet its objectives in providing a safe and healthy environment for all users.
• To undertake other duties that Management may, from time to time, reasonably require, commensurate with the grade.

Ideally you will want to be a part of a team who has at its core a focus on improving lives and enabling and equipping learners to develop, grow and be equipped for a life of work and success. You'll be a self-starter with a passion to learn and grow yourself and will bring passion, dedication and positivity to your new role.

Colleague Benefits

As part of the LTE Group family, you will benefit from an excellent package including:

• Excellent annual leave entitlement.
• In-house 'Evolve' training programme offers you the chance to upskill and further your career through a wide range of recognised qualifications.
• Career development opportunities.
• We pride ourselves on offering a favourable LGPS pension scheme with a competitive contribution from the Group.
• Discounts on your health care through Simply Health.
• Free, confidential support service provided by an external organisation, PAM Assist.
• Cycle to work scheme saving you 25% on your purchase.
• Access to lots of offers with well-known retailers.

The LTE Group is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community. If you feel you could make a difference in this rewarding and growing sector, please click on the 'Apply online' button below.

All applicants must demonstrate in their application their ability to meet the Key Responsibilities, Key Result Areas and Qualifications/Skills/Experience detailed within the job description for shortlisting purposes.
The closing date for this job advert is 07/02/2023. However, the job advert may close early if we receive a good response.
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.