A unique opportunity to work for an outstanding residential adult education college in the UK
Learner Support Worker (as and when required)
Salary: £8.1011 per hour subject to Job Evaluation
Fixed Term until 31 July 2016
Northern College has been graded outstanding in all areas by Ofsted and we are looking for someone to join the
College who can contribute to our continued success. Northern College offers a wide range of adult learning
provision including; literacy, numeracy and return to study courses, an Access to Higher Education Diploma,
Higher Education courses and a varied programme of Trade Union Studies. Set in beautiful parklands and with
excellent facilities, Northern College for Residential Adult Education has a powerful reputation for the quality of
its services.
We are seeking to add to our current team of dedicated Learner Support Workers. This role involves working
with students with disabilities; learning difficulties; and with basic skills needs and helping them to achieve their
learning goals. A Learner Support Worker provides support to assigned students through acting as a scribe, guide,
communicator or reader and assisting wheelchair users.
You will be educated to at least GCSE English level (grade C or above) or equivalent and have the experience and
ability to take accurate notes for learners both within a classroom setting and outside. You will also be
responsible for providing a typed version of notes in a suitable format for learners to read and understand. You
should have excellent interpersonal skills, a commitment to the highest standards of customer care along with
the ability to use tact and initiative. We are looking for individuals who are flexible, as hours of work are varied
and can be either day time, evening or weekends.
To find more information on the college itself, view the job description and person specification and to apply
online please go to www.northern.ac.uk. To receive a postal application form please contact the Personnel
department on 01226 776000.
Application forms must be submitted by 10 am on Wednesday 9 September.
The Northern College is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all learners and expects all staff
to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer, applications are particularly welcome from
disabled, black and minority ethnic groups as they are currently under represented within our staff.
Registered Charity Number 507245
THE NORTHERN COLLEGE
JOB DESCRIPTION
LEARNER SUPPORT WORKER
Summary of Responsibilities
Responsible for working with people with disabilities, with learning difficulties, and with basic skills needs;
providing learning and support which may include acting as a reader, scribe, guide and communicator.
To liaise with the members of the academic staff team to maximise the effectiveness of Additional Learner
Support.
Main Duties
1. To take accurate notes for learners both within a classroom setting and outside.
2. To provide support to enable learners to access resources.
3. To read materials to the learner.
4. To review and type up notes to a high standard and in a suitable format for learners to read and
understand.
5. To liaise with the additional support co-ordinator and course/subject tutor as required.
6. To act as a guide to students with visual impairment and mobility needs.
7. To assist learners with hearing impairment within and outside a classroom setting.
8. To assist learners in completing forms.
9. To be an effective team member and liaise with the team on all aspects of support.
10. To work with diverse groups, respecting other people’s opinions and work towards accomplishing the
team’s (and departmental) goals.
11. To write reviews of learners progress on my learning space.
12. To be able to carry out new inductions to College for new learners.
13. To undertake any training and development deemed relevant to the post.
14. To undertake duties and responsibilities in full accordance with the College’s ‘Health & Safety’ policy
and procedures.
15. To work to promote and support the College’s policies and procedures with particular reference to the
safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
16. Any other duties which do not change the nature and purpose of the post which may be delegated to
the post holder from time to time by the Principal or some other senior member of staff acting on his/her
behalf.
Employee Name:
Signature:
Date:
Line Manager Name:
Signature:
Date:
THE NORTHERN COLLEGE
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Learner Support Worker
Category
Knowledge and
Experience
Essential/
Desirable
Essential
Desirable
Skills & Abilities
Essential
Desirable
Training and
Education
Essential
Desirable
Description
Experience of taking notes
Knowledge and awareness of equality
and diversity issues
An understanding of the importance of
‘safeguarding’ and a commitment to
creating a safe learning environment
within the college
Awareness of and commitment to
customer care
Experience of supportive work with
disabled people (Voluntary or placements
are applicable)
Knowledge of disabilities and specific
learning difficulties
Ability to take accurate notes in a range of
subjects
Ability to handle sensitive issues with
discretion
Excellent communication skills (both
verbal and written including good spelling
and grammar)
Able to form and maintain appropriate
relationships and personal boundaries
with people
Emotional resilience in working with
challenging behaviours
Proven ability to work effectively within a
team
Excellent interpersonal skills along with
the ability to use tact and initiative
Knowledge of the impact of different
disabilities
Skills in working with learners with
specific support needs
GCSE English (Grade C or above) or an
equivalent qualification
Qualifications relevant to support required
e.g., First Aid, British Sign Language,
Nursing Qualification, Dyslexia
Awareness, Certificate in Adult Learning
Support, C&G 6302, NVQ in
Care/Promoting Independence, Deaf
Awareness, Mentoring
Means of
Assessment
Application
Interview
Application
Interview
Interview
Interview
Application
Interview
Interview
Application
Assessment
Interview
Assessment
Interview
Interview
Interview
Interview
Assessment
Interview
Interview
Application
Application
Other
Requirements
Essential
Availability and ability to work in a variety
of situations
Application
Interview
Understanding the importance of
confidentiality and discretion
Application
Interview
Willingness to undertake appropriate
training and development
Willingness to work flexibly to meet the
changing demands of the service
including evening and weekend work
Interview
Interview
APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
Application No
This section must be completed:
POST APPLIED FOR: ___________________________________________________
CLOSING DATE: _______________________________________________________
Availability for Interview (please circle relevant answer)
Morning
Afternoon
Please complete and return to: The Personnel Department, Northern College, Wentworth
Castle, Stainborough, Barnsley, S75 3ET or [email protected]
C.V.s WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED IF PERSONAL DETAILS ARE OMITTED AND THIS
FORM IS FULLY COMPLETED
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
Name of Institution
Qualification and Grade Awarded
Start/End Dates
PRESENT/LAST APPOINTMENT
Post Held: _______________________________________________
Start Date/Leaving Date (or Present): _________________________
Organisation: __________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Salary: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Notice Period Required: _________________________________________________________________________________
Reasons for Leaving: ____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Describe briefly the main activities of your present/most recent appointment: ________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT
(Beginning with the most recent)
Name of Employer
Job Title
Date From/To
Outline of Duties
SUPPORTING STATEMENT
Please comment on your experience, skills and knowledge which you feel would make you suitable for this post.
You may wish to include paid employment, voluntary work and personal achievement to tell us how you meet the
person specification. Additional sheets, to a maximum of two A4 sheets can be enclosed, but must be attached
to your application form.
Please do not add any personal details e.g. name, address
RELEVANT TRAINING
Please give details of any relevant training event attended or courses completed in the last three years
Training Event
Outline of Training
PROFESSIONAL BODIES
Please give details of membership of any professional bodies
OTHER INFORMATION
Do you hold a current full driving licence? (please circle relevant answer)
Yes
No
Type ________________________
REFERENCES
Please provide the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and occupation of two persons for reference. One of
these must be your current employer. If currently unemployed or school leaver, use your most recent employer
or Principal of Educational Institution.
Please note: References will only be requested if you are successful in your application.
Name: ________________________________
Name: ________________________________
Company: _____________________________
Company: _____________________________
Full Address: ___________________________
Full Address: ___________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Post Code: _____________________________
Post Code: _____________________________
Tel No: ________________________________
Tel No: ________________________________
Professional Relationship to Candidate:
Professional Relationship to Candidate:
________________________________________
________________________________________
PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMPLETE THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING FORM SECTION. NON
COMPLIANCE WITH THIS REQUIREMENT WILL BE VIEWED AS INDICATING A CANDIDATE’S IMPLIED
OPPOSITION TO THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY AND TREATED AS GROUNDS FOR NONSELECTION.
IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING FROM US WITHIN SIX WEEKS OF THE CLOSING DATE, YOU
SHOULD ASSUME THAT YOU HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING FORM
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
Application No
This portion of the application form will not form part of the short listing process to
ensure Equal Opportunities for all applicants. Please return your application form
intact, and complete all pages.
PERSONAL DETAILS
Surname:
__________________________
Title:
_________________________________
First Names:
____________________________________________________________________________
Address:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Post Code:
__________________________
Home Tel: ______________________________
Work Tel:
__________________________
Mobile Tel: ______________________________
Email Address
____________________________________________________________________________
Date of Birth:
____________________________________________________________________________
Are you related to a Member of Staff at Northern College
YES
NO
(*delete where applicable)
If yes, state name of Member of Staff and relationship: ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
DECLARATION/DATA PROTECTION ACT 1998
On completion of this application form, please sign below:
“I certify that all the information given on this application form is correct and that I have not omitted any relevant
details. I understand that canvassing a Governor or employee of Northern College will disqualify my application.”
“I give my permission to Northern College to retain this information for the purpose of the above post, in
accordance with the College’s duties to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998.”
Signature: __________________________________
Date: ______________________________
Northern College is committed to a policy of ensuring equality of opportunity in employment for all, and to take
action to avoid discrimination. Job applicants are considered only on their ability to do the job for which they are
applying.
To see whether this policy is having any effect, we monitor the sex, age, ethnic origin, and disability of job
applicants. You are therefore requested to provide the monitoring information outlined below.
This personal information will be kept securely and not made available before or during the short listing to ensure
that only your abilities, experience, training and qualifications are considered. C.V.s will only be accepted if the
application form has been fully completed, and no personal details e.g. names, are shown.
The information below will ONLY be used to monitor the College’s practices and will be treated confidentially. It
will not be revealed outside the College except as part of an overall equal opportunities statistical report which
would not identify individuals. All unsuccessful application forms are destroyed after six months.
Nationality
____________________________________________________________________________
Description of Ethnic Origin
Asian or Asian British
- Bangladeshi
Asian or Asian British
– Indian
Asian or Asian British
– Pakistani
Asian or Asian British
– Any other Asian background
Black or Black British
– African
Black or Black British
– Caribbean
Black or Black British
– any other background
Mixed
ethnic
background–
White and Asian
Any other – Gypsy, Traveler,
Roma
Prefer not to say
Mixed ethnic background– White and Black
African
Mixed ethnic background– White and Black
Caribbean
Mixed ethnic background– Any other Mixed
background
White – British
White – Irish
White – Other European
White – Any Other
Chinese
Any Other - Arab
Any Other
Do you identify yourself as a disabled person? YES
NO
Prefer not to say
Disabled applicants will be guaranteed an interview upon meeting the minimum essential criteria.
If you have a disability, are there any arrangements we can make for you if you are called for interview?
(Please give details)
If you wish to take advantage of the law relating to disability, you must advise the College of your
disability.
Male
Age:
Female
16-18
19-25
26-35
36-45
46-55
56 - 64
Are you eligible to work in the UK?
YES
NO
Do you require a Work Permit?
YES
NO
65+
Post Applied For
_____________________________________________________________________
Where did you see the advertisement for this post?
_______________________________________________
The information you have supplied on this form will be processed by computer. The College requires the data to
produce de-personalised statistics in connection with equal opportunity and recruitment monitoring.
Declaration of Criminal Records Information
This form must be completed by all applicants. The information disclosed on this form will be kept
confidential and not form part of the shortlisting process.
Policy Statement
Northern College is committed to the fair treatment of its staff, volunteers, potential staff or users of
its services, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants,
age, physical/mental disability or offending background.
Having a criminal record will not automatically bar an individual from working or volunteering at the
College. Any individual with a criminal record will have their application assessed and consideration
will be given to the nature of the position applied for and the circumstances and background of their
offences.
Declaration
Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, please declare and provide details of all criminal
convictions which are not yet spent. If you are unsure whether your conviction is spent, please
contact the Personnel department.
Do you have any unspent convictions?
Yes
No
If you have selected ‘yes’, please provide details in the form of a disclosure statement and send this
in a separate envelope marked ‘confidential’ to:
Personnel Department
Northern College
Wentworth Castle
Stainborough
Barnsley
S75 3ET
Contact 01226 776000 or [email protected]
Name:
Dated:
Sign:
The information on this form will only be shared with the Personnel department and if necessary the
Principal. In a separate discussion, we ensure that an open and measured discussion takes place on
the subject of any offences or other matter that might be relevant to the position. Failure to reveal
information that is directly relevant to the position sought could lead to withdrawal of an offer of
employment or volunteer engagement.