SEN Support Worker
Term-time only
Redruth
About Us
Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change (CN4C) is a charity and social enterprise that aims to transform the quality of life for people, places and communities.
We’ve been around since 2001 and are focused on affecting change that will make lives better, make Cornwall fairer and combat inequality and injustice.
We are now looking for an SEN Support Worker to join our team on an annualised term-time only contract, supporting young people aged 16 to 24 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to develop confidence, independence and life skills for adulthood.
This role will be based in Redruth and will be 32.5 hours per week.
The Benefits
- Salary of £14.33 per hour
- Employer’s contribution pension scheme
- NHS Top-Up Healthcare plan membership for all staff
- Join an organisation that is empowering communities in Cornwall
If you have experience of supporting people with additional needs, learning disabilities, autism, complex needs or personal care needs, and you are passionate about helping young people develop independence, confidence and life skills, we want to hear from you.
By joining our team, you will have the chance to work with a diverse range of learners and support them to access education, community life, enrichment, work experience and preparation for adulthood.
So, if you have the experience we’re looking for and the drive and compassion to support others, apply today.
The Role
As an SEN Support Worker, you will join our dedicated TOAST team supporting young adults with a wide range of additional needs, including profound and multiple learning disabilities, autism, communication needs, sensory needs and complex physical, emotional and behavioural support needs.
This is a rewarding, hands-on role where no two days are the same. You will work alongside learners throughout their day, providing compassionate care, emotional support and practical assistance to help them access learning, develop independence and participate in community life.
A significant part of this role will involve supporting learners with profound and multiple learning disabilities. You will support learners with communication, sensory regulation, daily living skills, personal care, community activities and social interaction, always promoting dignity, choice and independence.
You will provide sensitive and respectful support with personal care, including personal hygiene, dressing, eating, drinking and toileting. You will support learners in a way that maintains privacy, dignity and choice, while encouraging independence wherever possible.
You will support learners to communicate using a range of methods, which may include speech, AAC, Makaton, symbols, visual supports, objects of reference and individual communication systems. You will help learners express their views, choices, preferences and needs, ensuring their voice is heard and respected.
You will also support learners with emotional wellbeing and behaviour support using person-centred, trauma-informed and Positive Behaviour Support approaches. This will include recognising early signs of distress or dysregulation, using agreed de-escalation strategies, following support plans and helping learners feel safe, understood and regulated.
Where required and appropriately trained, you may use approved breakaway techniques and agreed safety procedures to maintain the safety of learners, colleagues and others.
You will support learners to access educational, vocational, life skills and enrichment activities. This may include community-based learning, educational visits, work experience, recreational activities and opportunities to build confidence and independence.
You will work closely with teachers, support staff, families, carers and external professionals to provide consistent, high-quality, person-centred support. You will also help maintain accurate records relating to learner care, wellbeing, communication, progress, incidents and daily observations.
About You
To join us as an SEN Support Worker, you will need:
- A commitment to person-centred support and inclusive learning
- Experience supporting people with learning disabilities, autism or additional needs
- Experience providing personal care
- Experience supporting individuals with behaviours that may challenge
- A clear understanding that a significant part of the role will involve supporting learners with profound and multiple learning disabilities
- An understanding of, or willingness to develop knowledge of, PMLD, communication needs, sensory needs, personal care needs and complex learning needs
- An understanding of Positive Behaviour Support, or a willingness to undertake training
- A compassionate, caring and respectful approach to supporting young people with additional needs
- The ability to build positive, trusting and professional relationships with learners
- The ability to provide personal care with dignity, sensitivity and respect
- The ability to remain calm, patient and resilient when supporting learners who are distressed or dysregulated
- The ability to follow individual support plans, Positive Behaviour Support strategies, risk assessments and safe working practices
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Good written skills to accurately complete care records, learner observations and other documentation
- Basic IT skills to maintain electronic records and use organisational systems
- Level 2 English and Maths, or equivalent, or a willingness to work towards these qualifications
Experience working in care, education, healthcare, supported living or community settings would be highly desirable.
Experience supporting young adults aged 16 to 24, people with PMLD, or using AAC, Makaton, PECS or other communication methods would also be desirable.
Previous training in PBS, moving and handling, medication, personal care, first aid or safeguarding would be an advantage, although training can be provided.
A full UK driving licence and access to a reliable vehicle with business insurance would be desirable, as the role may involve supporting learners during community activities, work experience and educational visits.
Placement in this role will be subject to receipt of two satisfactory references and a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
This is a part-time role working 32.5 hours per week on an annualised term-time only contract.
Some flexibility to work evenings and weekends may be required to support learner activities and organisational events.
CN4C is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity and is strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
So, if you’re seeking your next challenge as an SEN Support Worker, please apply via the button shown.
Pay: £14.33 per hour
Benefits:
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Redruth TR15 1LS: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- This role involves support with toileting and personal hygiene. Are you happy to do this?
Work Location: In person
