Specialist Learning Mentor - Worcester, United Kingdom - Support Connect
2 weeks ago
Description
An exciting opportunity is available for a highly motivated, experienced and qualified Learning Support practitioner to join Support Connect's rapidly expanding support provision for apprenticeship and Degree level learners.
You will be:
- passionate about developing and supporting learners to achieve their goals and potential
- experienced and have qualifications/training in supporting learners with additional learning needs and disabilities to overcome the barriers they face in day-to-day learning?
- knowleadgable about apprenticeships and post-16 learning environments.
Our Specialist Learning Mentors:
- Specialise in supporting learners to develop the skills and strategies they need to overcome the barriers they face in their learning.
- Promote independent learning and empower learners to manage and take ownership of their academic work and their training.
- Deliver support themselves and also signpost to other sources of advice and support.
You will be working as part of a team of Mentors (Specialist Learning Mentors, Wellbeing Mentors and Assistive Technology Mentors) that delivers expert, individually tailored academic and mental health support.
You will have the skills and knowledge required to support neurodiverse learners and other learners facing learning difficulties as a result of long-term medical conditions or disabilities.
These could include dyslexia, dyspraxia, AD(H)D, autistic spectrum conditions, mobility and dexterity difficulties, sensory impairment, mental health difficulties and chronic fatigue for example.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
As a Specialist Learning Mentor you will work on a one-to-one basis supporting learners to understand the way they learn and develop learning competences and strategies such as time management and organisation, test/exam preparation, independent study techniques and use of assistive technology.
The role of the Specialist Learning Mentor may also involve helping the learner to cope with study-related stress and anxiety, and to manage difficult emotions linked to their learning difference or disability.
You will:
Set clear standards and expectations for your sessions.
Enable learners to identify strategies which complement their individual learning styles and requirements e.g. multi-sensory memory techniques or mind mapping.
Show sensitivity and understanding of the psychological impact of specific learning difficulties (SpLD), autism spectrum conditions and other disabilities/long term medical conditions in learning environments, and use this knowledge to tailor support appropriately.
Produce Individualised Learning Plans (ILPs) and accurate and up to date case notes and associated evidence and documentation demonstrating the impact of your work and meeting internal and external funding and regulatory requirements.
Liaise with colleagues, the Head of Learning Operations and course providers about specific learner cases, their needs, their academic progress and any welfare issues that may need referral to another agency.
Operate as a part of a Learning Support Team and will be expected to contribute to the wider work of the team and attend team meetings as appropriate.
Work at all times, in accordance with Support Connect's policies and procedures.
Primarily work remotely and online but may be asked to deliver support face to face and will be required to engage in peer learning and attend in-person training and CPD events.
Person Specification (Experience, Knowledge & Ability)
Essential:
- First degree or equivalent professional qualification (such as a relevant teaching or SpLD qualification).
- Experience (more than two years) of working with and supporting the progress and wellbeing of disabled learners and other learners with additional needs in a workplace, FE/HE or apprenticeships setting.
- An indepth understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion as set out in the Equality Act 2010 / SEND Code of Practice, with demonstrable experience of removing barriers faced by people with disabilities.
- Knowledge of and evidence of training/CPD in the issues faced by people with specific learning difficulties, autism, other disabilities and mental health issues in learning (Further Education/Higher Education/Apprenticeships) and the workplace.
- Strong understanding of the academic tasks in Further/Higher Education/Apprenticeships and of the pressures and issues faced by apprentices and other learners.
- Demonstrable ability to provide practical learning support and strategies to support learner engagement and progression.
- Demonstrable ability to work with diverse learners to identify their individual needs and strengths and develop support plans and pro
