ALS Student Support Worker
ALS Student Support Worker
Department: ApprenticeshipsSalary: £26,667 per annum
Contract Type: Full Time | Permanent, 37 hours per week
Reference: REC2423 | Closing Date: Sunday, 21st June 2026The Opportunity
Barnsley College is seeking a committed and compassionate ALS Student Support Worker to join our Apprenticeships team. This is a rewarding opportunity to support learners with a range of additional needs, helping them to access their studies fully and achieve their potential within a supportive and inclusive environment.
Working as part of a dedicated and experienced team, you will play a key role in supporting apprentices across a variety of vocational areas. You will work closely with curriculum staff and the ALS team to ensure learners receive consistent, high-quality support that enables them to develop confidence, independence and succeed in their studies.
This role offers the chance to make a meaningful difference to learners’ experiences and outcomes, supporting them throughout their journey at college and beyond.
What You’ll Be Doing
In this role, you will provide tailored support to apprentices, working with individuals and small groups, off site and remotely via Teams, to ensure they can fully access their learning and participate confidently in teaching and assessment activities.You will manage a caseload of learners, delivering support in line with individual learning plans and adapting your approach to meet a wide range of needs, including communication, cognition, literacy, numeracy and behavioural development.
You will play an active role in monitoring learner progress, setting and reviewing SMART targets, and delivering interventions to remove barriers to learning. This will include recording detailed observations, maintain accurate and audit-compliant records and produce reports on learner progress, attendance and engagement.You will also support learners during assessments where required, including acting as a scribe, reader or prompt, while always reinforcing safe working practices.
Working collaboratively with curriculum teams, you will embed within different vocational areas to gain a strong understanding of programme requirements and ensure support is aligned effectively. You will liaise with teaching staff to share updates, identify concerns and contribute to learner reviews, including EHCP processes where appropriate.In addition, you will create and adapt learning resources, support learners with physical or sensory needs, and provide personal care where required, always promoting independence, dignity and inclusion.
You will also act as a positive role model for learners, supporting their confidence, resilience and engagement, while contributing to wider team activity, including mentoring colleagues, attending meetings, and supporting recruitment events such as open days and interviews.
About You
We are looking for a dedicated and empathetic individual who is passionate about supporting learners with additional needs to succeed. You will have relevant experience working with vulnerable children, young people or adults, including those with learning difficulties or disabilities, and will be confident in providing both educational and pastoral support.You will bring a calm, patient and adaptable approach, with the ability to respond to a variety of learner needs while maintaining a focus on promoting independence and achievement.
You will have strong communication skills and be able to build effective working relationships with learners, colleagues and wider stakeholders. Your organisational skills will enable you to manage a caseload effectively, maintain accurate records and meet deadlines, while your proactive and flexible approach will allow you to respond to changing needs within a dynamic environment.
Essential Skills, Qualifications and Experience- Relevant Level 2 qualification
- Level 3 teaching qualification (or willingness to work towards)
- GCSE Maths and English Level 2 (or equivalent)
- 2 years minimum relevant work experience with vulnerable children / adults, people with learning difficulties and / or disabilities, specific learning difficulties in education
- We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 47 days per year including bank and public holidays)
- Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days
- Local Government Pension Scheme – with a generous 19.2% employer contribution!
- We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
- Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress
- Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval)
- 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
- Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork
- Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield
- Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities
- Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App
- Discounts schemes for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work
- Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines
- Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our onsite salon
- On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options
- Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members
- Our shared purpose - We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff
The Barnsley College Advantage
When you join us, you can expect to benefit from The Barnsley College Advantage. This is the advantage of:- Being supported to achieve your personal and professional goals
- A range of flexible working opportunities
- Autonomy, Empowerment and Accountability
- Short- and Long-Term development commitments
- Access to experiencing work in a range of areas
- Working in a Value and Behaviour led organisation
- Reward and Recognition
- Having your voice heard at every level
- Comprehensive Wellbeing Support
Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.
Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.