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Learning Support Assistants are part of a team of staff to support learning both on a 1:1 and group basis, for our students who have a diverse range of learning and behavioural needs. You will also support the Tutor to deliver the curriculum effectively, through a holistic approach. Safeguarding the welfare of our students is a key responsibility.

The role is term time only (39 weeks per year) and 32.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday 0900 - 1600. Salary quoted is actual.

Promote the values, aims and ethos of the College both within the teaching and learning context and within the corporate life of the College.

Be a role model for positive behaviour and demonstrate the application of college values in everyday work with students and colleagues

Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, provide high quality support for students with a range of disabilities, working patiently and respectfully in accordance with individual learning needs, adopting a total communication approach.

Make use of initial and ongoing assessment documentation and information to become familiar with the needs of students supported

Contribute to the assessment process and maintain records of progress towards individual targets using Databridge MIS

Assist teaching staff in the preparation and development of resources

Provide occasional short term cover for teaching staff

Act as a personal tutor for a small number of students,

Contribute to the college-wide operation of activities such as informal visits, exhibitions, open days, assessments etc.

Act as an occasional guide for potential and current students, both on and off campus.

Provide high quality care, support and supervision for students during the college day, including breaks, lunchtimes and non-directed time. Proactively support colleagues who provide frequent personal care to students by assisting any student in need of personal care as required eg canteen time, clubs, around the campus, on trips, or if specifically asked to assist at a given time. And, to carry out such support with dignity and respect for the student.

Contribute to, and follow, behaviour support strategies in place, liaising with appropriate student support colleagues as directed and attending relevant behaviour training updates as part of CPD

Participate in ongoing staff development to develop knowledge on disabilities, relevant communication methods and support.

Participate fully in staff and team meetings

Supervise learners in enrichment activities, which include sport & leisure & Club sessions, and maintain such records as required to monitor attendance and progress

Each year the job holder will be allocated to work with a particular student or group of students by the LSA manager/Assistant Managers. It is expected that certain areas of expertise linked to those student’s needs will be required that will require enhanced knowledge/skill above that already described above. They include, but are not limited to:

Role modelling effective behaviour management strategies for specific students. Liaising with the behaviour support team and sharing information/skills to other LSAs as required.

Using appropriate communication strategies and tools as directed by communication specialists (SLT, physio, dyslexia tutors etc.) e.g. Makaton, PECS, Braille, developing sufficient knowledge to enable learning to take place and developing expertise over time

Deliver excellent personal care as needed by the student(s) including risk assessments, toileting, moving and handling and feeding as required. Contribute to and maintain personal care records

Developing risk assessment and risk management strategies for specific students across a range of scenarios as needed, supporting other LSAs if appropriate

Administer appropriate medicines to specific students, either regularly or in an emergency, following the medical protocols provided by Medical service

Training will be provided for all areas of activity.

Perform such other duties commensurate with the status of the post as the Principal shall from time to time decide

Skills and Expertise

To have or be willing to develop skills in areas such as assistive communications (e.g. Braille, Makaton, PECS), personal care, behaviour management, risk assessment, administration of medicines, or subject specialisms

To understand the needs of people with a range of disabilities and be able to work with them patiently, flexibly and respectfully

To evidence positive behaviour towards staff and students and demonstrate adherence to College values during every day work

An individual keen to develop into the role and attend training

To be flexible and able to work across all curriculum areas as directed annually

We look forward to receiving your application and knowing more about your qualifications, skills, personal qualities and experience that you would bring to the role and to QAC. Please take time to review the job description

Please upload a CV/Resume* with details of your full employment history (since leaving school, including education, employment and voluntary work) including reasons for any gaps in employment. This should also include a statement of the personal qualities and experience you believe are relevant to your suitability for the post and how this meets the job description requirements. Your CV/Resume* will be re-produced in a standard format by the system (without personal identifiers) to assist us in our anonymised shortlisting process.

Our application process includes a number of questions which are not seen by the shortlisting panel. This information will only be processed by HR if you are successful in the recruitment process and will be dealt with sensitively and carefully.

• Please note, as part of safeguarding requirements, candidates invited for interview will be required to complete a self-declaration/form, to confirm additional details and verify the information provided.

Queen Alexandra College (QAC) is a national residential College and registered charity that supports a diverse range of student/client abilities and needs.

Our College provides education, training, routes to independent living and employment through an innovative, holistic approach to learning and support.

QAC offers a vibrant, varied and fun educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are small and support levels high.

All students, clients and staff are supported within safe and well-resourced environments. We have educational and learning sites based in Birmingham, one of Europe’s most welcoming and vibrant cities, with a rich and diverse culture. Our main site is based in Harborne, a pleasant leafy Birmingham suburb, on a friendly and green 8-acre campus with excellent facilities and resources.

As QAC has grown, we now have new educational and learning sites – Pinewood Campus (dedicated to employment progression) and Umberslade Campus (dedicated to horticulture and outdoor learning).

QAC makes a positive difference to the lives and learning of people with disabilities and learning difficulties. We have high expectations of staff, students and clients whilst being responsive, innovative and collaborative. Our College values drive how we work with students, clients, stakeholders and as a team.

We continue to attract and retain staff of the highest calibre, who are proud of QAC’s achievements and who wish to be an integral part of ongoing and future successes.

As Leaders in Diversity which drives the culture at QAC and we warmly welcome applications from individuals who share our values, from all backgrounds, to add to our committed and diverse team.