Learning Support Assistant (Adult Learning)

ABOUT THE ROLE

Hackney’s Adult Learning Service is responsible for the delivery of adult learning within the London Borough of Hackney, engaging and supporting residents to take their first steps towards community involvement, personal development, formal learning, training or employment. Courses offered range from English and mathematics up to GCSE, ESOL, digital skills and vocational training up to level 2 and 3 as well as creative and wellbeing programmes.

The Adult Learning Service is seeking to recruit Learning Support Assistants to join the Curriculum team. This is an exciting opportunity to join our hard working and successful team to provide a high-quality provision of teaching to our learners and residents.

We are looking to appoint 3 strong, enthusiastic, committed and creative full or part time Learning Support Assistants to work in a range of Hackney teaching venues. You will be working with adults with a range of support needs, learning difficulties and/or disabilities both in the classroom, online and throughout the service.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• To work under the instruction and guidance of teaching and management staff to support learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities; to enable access to learning and carry out work that helps these learners to stay on their course and achieve their targets or qualifications.
• To assist the tutor in the management of learners and the classroom. Work may be carried out in the classroom or outside the main teaching area, for short periods of time.
• To support curriculum areas with the initial assessments and the appropriate placement of learners onto courses.
• To promote and publicise learning opportunities to residents and to offer Information, Advice and Guidance as appropriate including as part of the service’s outreach programme at various sites in the community.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• To be accountable to the line manager for achieving agreed outcomes, output and personal review targets.
• To be responsible for providing on-course support to learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities both in the classroom, online and throughout the service.
• To assist teaching staff in all aspects of lesson preparation and support teaching staff in the delivery of the curriculum to students with additional learning support needs; to keep an up to date support log in accordance to GLA funding guidelines.
• To be an active member of the learning support team and assist in the development of individual programmes and the assessment of learner progress.
• To share knowledge and experience with other members of the team to ensure a high level of standards are maintained and ensure agreed procedures and processes are in place and adhered to.
• To carry out initial assessments and assist with enrolment and placement of learners on courses as required, including as part of the service’s outreach programme at various sites in the community.
• To assist with enrolment weeks, open days and other events as required.
• To promote the inclusion and acceptance of all learners. Encourage learners to interact with others and engage in activities led by the tutor. Set challenging and demanding expectations and promote self-esteem and independence.
• To work with teaching staff to monitor attendance and increase learner retention, attainment and progression
• To deliver pastoral support and to provide support for ALS learners during non-teaching times to assist with their study skills and wider skills development
• To help tutors in the identification of appropriate resources for student learning and to contribute to the development of learning resources including the use of educational technology appropriate to the courses being supported.
• Provide feedback to learners in relation to progress and achievement under guidance of the tutor. To carry out and write up necessary observations to inform and evaluate learners’ needs.
• Promote good classroom behaviour, dealing promptly with conflict and incidents in line with established policy and encourage pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour
• To invigilate learner exams including through special arrangements if requested and if appropriate.
• In conjunction with the Employment, Skills and Adult Learning Service team to promote and publicise learning opportunities to residents and to offer Information, Advice and Guidance as appropriate.
• Ensure that quality assurance procedures are followed, working with other staff to maintain standards in line with the requirements of the Matrix standard and Ofsted Inspection Framework.
• In conjunction with Curriculum Managers, to carry out initial assessment sessions in the community and facilitate the effective placement of learners on courses.
• To check learner eligibility and enrol them onto courses and to play a central role in service enrolment days to maximise the recruitment of learners.
• To support learners to complete the London Learner Survey at the start of their course.
• Attend Employment, Skills and Adult Learning Service team meetings and present updates on curriculum support work.
• To attend external careers events, network meetings and mandatory training.
• Support additional funded projects, as appropriate.
• Attend and participate in relevant meetings as required. Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required.

OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• To undertake additional or other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post and as directed and deemed appropriate by the Line Manager.
• The post holder must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities with due regard to our policy, organisation and arrangements for Health and Safety at Work.
• It is your responsibility to carry out your duties in line with our policy on Equality and Diversity and be sensitive and caring to the needs of others, promoting a positive approach to a harmonious working environment.
• You must promote and safeguard the welfare of children, young and vulnerable people that you are responsible for or come into contact with.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Qualifications

• NVQ 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent or qualified to Level 2 and willing to work towards a qualification in Learning Support or Teaching Assistant and Learning qualification at Level 3.
• GCSE (or Level 2) English and Maths grade 9 – 5 (A* – C equivalent).

Experience

• Working with adults from varied backgrounds and with varying needs including learners whose first language is not English.
• Proven experience of working with adults including young adults who have learning difficulties, disabilities or who present challenging behaviour.
• Previous experience of working with students and supporting them in an educational environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Awareness of health and safety procedures including Safeguarding & Prevent and willingness to undertake training.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and a knowledge and understanding of the Equality Act.
• Ability to work with adults in the exploration of their learning needs including support for adults with complex needs.
• Training in the relevant learning strategies e.g. literacy and knowledge of quality improvement requirements in line with the Ofsted inspection framework.
• Awareness of information sources relevant to education needs of adults.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills including record keeping.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to use ICT effectively to support learning, working at an equivalent of a level 3 qualification, with a knowledge of required e-safety measures.
• A flexible approach and excellent attendance to provide stability for learners.
• Ability to self-evaluate learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities.

To view the full job description, please click here –> Hackney Council – Learning & Support Assistant – JD

There is a requirement to pass an Enhanced DBS check for this role.