Learning Support Assistant

We are seeking a dedicated and learner-focused Learning Support Assistant to join Coleg Sir Gar and Coleg Ceredigion. This role is central to supporting students with a range of learning difficulties, disabilities and additional support needs, helping them to access learning, build confidence and develop independence.
Working closely with learners and course teams, you will provide agreed individual, shared or group support both in and outside of the classroom. Your responsibilities will include helping learners with organisation, time management, understanding instructions, developing study and ICT skills, and presenting their work to the required standard. You will also support learners during private study periods and, where required, assist with physical needs, supervision and educational visits.
As part of the wider Learning Support team, you will contribute to quality improvement activities, maintain accurate records, participate in training and professional development, and uphold the College’s commitment to equality, inclusion, safeguarding and learner wellbeing. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting learners to achieve their full potential in a further education environment.

Key Responsibilities

The Learning Support Assistant will be expected to:

• work with learners and course teams to provide agreed support;
• maintain records of work carried out with learners;
• take part in quality improvement processes;
• take part in training and continuous professional development activities;
• support learners to become more confident and independent learners;
• aid students with time management and personal organisation;
• help students with the organisation of files;
• encourage and support students to develop good research techniques;
• provide students with help in understanding oral and written instruction;
• help with proofreading work and give advice on grammar, spelling and punctuation;
• transport and/or accompany individuals/small groups on residential trips and visits where necessary;
• occasionally provide break and/or lunch supervision;
• attend to the physical needs of students where necessary;       
• provide support in private study periods;
• encourage students to develop good ICT skills for the presentation of assignments;
• transcribe materials into accessible formats when necessary;
• carry out any other duties as directed by the Principal/Chief Executive commensurate with the grade of the post at the initial place of work or other locations within the College.

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

Essential Criteria:

• Appropriate Qualifications to Level 3
• GCSE English at minimum Grade C or O Level equivalent
• GCSE Mathematics at minimum Grade C or O Level equivalent
• Good communicator with diplomacy and tact
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work harmoniously with colleagues
• Good presentational skills
• Good computer literacy skills

Desirable Criteria:

• Basic Skills Learning Support Assistants Level 2 Qualification (if you do not have the qualification you will be expected to complete the course within 2 years from appointment)
• First Aid at Work Qualified (if you do not have the qualification you will be expected to complete the course within 2 years from appointment)
• Relevant experience of working with people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities

Welsh Language Requirements:

• Welsh Oracy (Listening/Speaking) - Level 2 Essential
• Welsh Literacy (Writing/Reading) - Level 2 Essential

(See detailed language descriptions attached)

Persons are welcome to apply for posts in Welsh and applications made in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English. 

Benefits

• You will receive 28 days holiday, plus bank holidays and five closure days which totals at 41 days holiday per year. You also receive an additional 4 days after 5 years service.
• Extremely generous pension scheme with employer contributions of 20%.
• Award-winning professional learning and development programme.  
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free on-site car parking
• Online and instore retail discounts