Learning Support Assistant

Learning Support Assistant Pay: £23,600 – £25,272 per year Work Pattern: Full-Time; Term Time or Non-Term Time; 9am – 5pm; 5 days a week; 41 weeks per year, flexible to work 1 weekend day a week Are you passionate about working with young people Do you believe in the power of animals to support learning, wellbeing and personal growth Our client is an expanding organisation recruiting Learning Support Assistants at their Shamley Green and West Horsley sites. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team specialising in supporting children and young people with complex anxiety and SEMH needs . What They’re Looking For and What They Offer They are looking for people with experience of working with young people with a range of needs. You'll need to be resilient, as supporting young people with complex needs can be challenging, and the role involves working outdoors in all weather. Everyone is expected to roll up their sleeves, get stuck in and think creatively to achieve the best outcomes for vulnerable young people. In return, they offer a friendly and supportive team, an outdoor working environment and opportunities for future career progression. Part-time applications (minimum 3 days per week) may be considered depending on the needs of the organisation. They welcome both term-time and non-term-time applicants, as well as those able to work one regular weekend day as part of their working week. • Support children and young people with complex emotional, social, behavioural, learning and mental health needs through 1:1 and small group learning, including Animal Assisted Therapeutic Activities, educational and therapeutic sessions with animals, while contributing to animal care and the day-to-day running of the farm. • Work daily with a wide range of animals, including walking goats and ponies and undertaking animal care tasks with young people, using animals to engage those who struggle with motivation and building positive relationships. • Carry out informal assessments of new young people and contribute to individual therapeutic and educational goals. • Maintain accurate records, undertake relevant research and ensure confidentiality and compliance with legal requirements. • Prepare and deliver structured Animal Assisted Therapy and/or Learning sessions, workshops and learning plans for individuals and groups where appropriate. • Provide coaching and training for students, junior or new staff, and supervise apprentices and/or volunteers where appropriate. • Liaise with young people, parents / carers and relevant professionals regarding progress and follow-up. • Contribute to the organisation's promotional activities, ethos and objectives, including ensuring animals are healthy and well cared for and supporting farm development and maintenance tasks as required. Skills, Experience and Qualification : • Degree or higher education in a relevant field or extensive experience working with vulnerable children and young people. • At least 3 years’ experience of direct client work. • Qualifications and experience in AAT or Equine Assisted Therapy is beneficial (including online learning e.g. BSY / Centre of Excellence). • Experience of SEND education setting. • Experience in delivering psycho education workshops or supporting groups incorporating animals will be an added advantage. • Confidence and knowledgeable in caring for animals. • Sound knowledge of Safeguarding and good professional boundaries is essential. Additional Skills: • Ability to project a positive public image of self and the organisation whilst exhibiting a culture of outstanding service and high ethical standards. • Excellent communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English is essential. • Capable of establishing and maintaining constructive interpersonal relationships within the organisation. • Demonstrated experience of working within a multi-disciplinary and/or diverse environment. How To Apply and What Will Happen Next: • Click apply and you will be redirect to our client’s website – all applications need to be completed on their website. • Shortlisted candidates will be invited to watch an introduction video about the role and attend an initial Teams interview. • If successful, candidates complete a further information application form and attend a trial day at one of our client’s sites. • Pre-application visits are not possible, but they encourage you to research their approach on their website. • They are committed to safeguarding – all positions are subject to DBS and reference checks. Join our client in making a meaningful impact on young lives through innovative education and therapeutic learning! Please Note Our client is committed to safeguarding all children and young people and follow a rigorous Vetting procedure for all potential applicants, including DBS and reference checking. They may choose to close the recruitment earlier than the deadline, upon receiving a sufficient number of candidates APPLY NOW ON OUR CLIENT’S WEBSITE!