Job Overview
Learning Support Assistant / LSA who has experience working with children and young people / CYP is required for a role within an alternative therapeutic education provider.
The organisation provides therapeutic education where animals, nature and outdoor learning play a key role in helping children and young people engage with education. You don’t need prior animal expertise but will need a willingness to work with and learn about animals.
This is a very ‘hands on’ role, working outside in the elements and great fun for the right person, and not so fun for someone who likes to be based in a classroom every day. So, if you prefer the warmth of being indoors then this role wouldn’t be a great fit.
However, if you are passionate about working with young people and the way in which animals can help us make sense of the world, and help us learn, then this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
We are recruiting for across all of our three sites as part of expansion. This includes our established provision in Shamley Green, Surrey, our provision in Liss/Froxfield, Hampshire and West Horsley, in Surrey.
Responsibilities
Your duties as a Learning Support Assistant / LSA include:
- Support children and young people to engage in the learning sessions, undertake educational and therapeutic activities with animals on the farm, providing 1-1 and sometimes smaller groups for learners who need extra support
- Support a full range of learning, including Animal Assisted Therapeutic Activities, working with complex children and young people. This will consist of supporting a vast variety of needs, including emotional, social, behavioural, learning and mental health needs. It will also involve getting significantly involved in animal care and everything the organisation do on the farm to make sure the service runs smoothly
- You will get up close with a whole range of animals every day, from walking goats and ponies, to undertaking animal care tasks with young people. The key skill is how to engage children and young people who are often disengaged and struggle with motivation and building and maintaining positive relationships
- Provide informal assessment of new young people, and contribute to formulating therapeutic and educational goals
- Prepare and deliver structured Animal Assisted Therapy and/or Learning sessions for groups and individuals, including workshops and delivering learning plans/lessons where applicable
- Oversee and undertake general liaison with young people, their carers/parents and relevant professionals
- Contribute to the overall ethos and aims of the organisations and general team agenda, which may include ensuring animals are healthy, happy and looked after, and/or developmental or maintenance tasks as part of a current or ongoing organisational agenda
Qualifications
- Degree or higher education in a relevant field or extensive experience working with vulnerable children and young people / CYP
- Experience working with individuals with autism or other disabilities is highly desirable
- Previous teaching or educational support experience, especially in special education settings
- Strong communication skills to effectively interact with children, colleagues, and parents
- Demonstrated ability to work patiently and empathetically with children of all backgrounds
- Ability to follow instructions meticulously while maintaining flexibility in dynamic classroom settings
- Relevant certifications or training related to special education or child development are a plus
How to apply
Please note we do not accept applications through indeed. To find out more or to complete a initial interest form- go on our website https://elysianuk.org/work-with-us/
For enquiries you can email [email protected]
Elysian may choose to close the recruitment earlier than the deadline, upon receiving a sufficient number of candidates
Elysian is committed to the safeguarding of children and young people. All roles with Elysian are subject to safeguarding scrutiny, including references and DBS checks, prior to commencing employment.
Pay: £23,600.00-£25,272.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
Work Location: In person
