Learning Support Assistant – SEMH
Location: Sunderland
Salary: £24,492
Hours: Full time 37 hrs per week
Contract: Permanent
Leave: 25 days + statutory holidays (Springboard also operates a Christmas closure period, which is paid and does not reduce employees' annual leave entitlement)
About Springboard
Springboard is a registered charity dedicated to building sustainable, thriving communities by equipping people with the essential skills they need for work and life. Through our Study Programmes, Apprenticeships and Adult Skills courses, we create confident, employable, life‑ready learners.
With almost 50 years of experience, we are proud to be an Ofsted GOOD provider. We are committed to delivering high‑quality learning experiences, adapting to individual needs, and maintaining a culture of support, respect and ambition. We also hold the Matrix Award for Information, Advice and Guidance and the Better Health at Work Gold Standard.
The Role
We are seeking a dedicated, compassionate and resilient Learning Support Practitioner to support post-16 learners who experience social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
Working alongside Tutors and wider support staff, you will help learners engage in education, develop confidence and emotional resilience, and make progress towards their individual goals. You will provide consistent, relationship-based support that enables learners to access learning and achieve positive outcomes.
The ideal candidate will have experience of supporting young people who may present with anxiety, trauma, attachment needs, neurodiversity, or disengagement from education, and will apply trauma-informed approaches in all aspects of their practice.
Key Responsibilities
Learner Engagement and Support
- Provide individual and small-group support to learners within learning sessions and wider activities.
- Build positive, trusting relationships that promote safety, belonging and engagement.
- Support learners to access learning through flexible, creative and adaptive approaches.
- Encourage learner participation, attendance, punctuality and positive engagement.
- Recognise behaviour as communication and respond in a calm, relational and non-judgemental way.
SEMH and Trauma-Informed Practice
- Embed trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches in all aspects of practice.
- Support learners with emotional regulation, co-regulation and de-escalation strategies.
- Understand and respond to the impact of trauma, adverse experiences and mental health needs on learning and behaviour.
- Promote restorative approaches that support reflection, repair and positive relationships.
- Contribute to safe, predictable and supportive learning environments.
Learning and Progress
- Support learners to achieve their individual learning and development goals.
- Adapt support strategies to meet diverse SEMH, SEND and learning needs.
- Encourage the development of confidence, resilience, independence and self-advocacy.
- Monitor and record learner progress and contribute to learner reviews.
- Celebrate achievements and support learners to recognise their own progress.
Holistic Support and Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with Tutors, support staff, employers and external agencies.
- Contribute to person-centred planning, including EHCP outcomes where applicable.
- Support learners to overcome barriers to participation and progression.
- Provide feedback to colleagues on learner engagement, wellbeing and progress.
- Support all aspects of the learner journey from recruitment through to progression.
Preparation for Adulthood
- Support learners to develop essential life skills, employability skills and independence.
- Encourage positive decision-making, problem-solving and personal responsibility.
- Support learners to prepare for further education, employment, apprenticeships or training.
- Promote confidence in community participation and adult life.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of all learners.
- Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
- Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Contribute to a culture of wellbeing, inclusion and respect.
Professional Responsibilities
- Engage in continuous professional development, particularly in SEMH, SEND and trauma-informed practice.
- Stay up to date with best practice in supporting learners with additional needs.
- Undertake administrative tasks including learner records and progress reviews.
- Work in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience working with young people or vulnerable adults with SEMH, SEND or additional support needs.
- Understanding of trauma-informed practice and relational approaches.
- Awareness of neurodiversity, including ADHD, autism, dyslexia and related learning needs, with the ability to adapt support to meet individual learner needs.
- Ability to build positive, consistent relationships with learners who may be disengaged or anxious.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm and effective in challenging situations.
- Commitment to inclusive, learner-centred practice.
- Experience supporting learners within post-16 provision.
- Basic digital skills.
- Willingness to travel where required.
Desirable
- Experience working with learners with EHCPs.
- Knowledge of attachment-aware practice, restorative approaches or behaviour regulation strategies.
- Relevant qualification in education, youth work, social care, mental health or a related field.
- Minimum Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English.
Additional Information
Springboard is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Safeguarding checks will be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, including an online search for shortlisted applicants.
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and two satisfactory references.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will support you.
This vacancy is subject to the completion of an internal redeployment process. The employer reserves the right to withdraw or amend the recruitment process accordingly.
Pay: £24,492.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
