ASEND: A SEND Provider with a Difference
ASEND is a SEND provider with a difference. We are moving away from traditional “classroom” models to create nuanced, person-centred placements. We are currently seeking dedicated individuals with backgrounds in social care, residential support, and specialist SEND provision to work as Mentors for young people with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) and autism (ASC/ASD).
If you have experience supporting vulnerable young people with complex needs and want a role that prioritises wellbeing and life skills over academic testing, we want to hear from you.
Benefits of Joining ASEND
- Highly Competitive Pay: £30 – £38 per hour.
- Flexibility: Part-time or full-time hours (within school hours) tailored to your availability.
- Impact-Driven Work: Occasional online and work-from-home opportunities for administrative tasks/reporting.
- Supportive Ecosystem: You aren’t alone – you work as part of a wider multidisciplinary team dedicated to the success of every placement.
The Role: Supporting Young People with SLD & MLD
This is a 1-to-1 community or home-based role focused on engagement, sensory and emotional regulation, and personal development. Your goal is to provide child-centred support that nurtures the young person’s wellbeing.
Key Responsibilities:
- Providing tailored support for young people with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), including those with complex communication needs.
- Assisting learners with Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) to build independence and confidence.
- Using person-centred approaches to overcome barriers to engagement.
- Travelling to placements and providing consistent, reliable mentorship.
- Completing brief progress reports to track wellbeing outcomes and engagement levels.
About You
We are looking for individuals who prioritise the interests and engagement of the young person above all else.
Essential Requirements:
- Enhanced DBS (on the update service, or willingness to obtain one via ASEND).
- Safeguarding Expertise: A deep understanding of safeguarding processes and a commitment to the health, safety, and wellbeing of vulnerable children.
- Resilient Ethos: A passion for helping young people with complex needs navigate the world.
Desirable Experience (Care Focus):
- Background as a Support Worker, Learning Support Assistant (LSA), Care Assistant, or Residential Care Worker.
- Experience with complex autism (ASC/ASD), SLD, MLD, and SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs, emotional dysregulation, BoC (Behaviour of Concern).
- Experience using alternative communication methods (e.g., PECS, Makaton, BSL) or supporting those with sensory processing sensitivities.
- Experience supporting vulnerable family members or working in therapeutic settings.
We actively encourage applications from minority ethnic backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, refugees, and individuals with disabilities. We believe mentors with shared lived experiences provide the highest level of relatability for our students.
Relevant Backgrounds
We welcome applicants who have previously held the following roles:
- Care & Support: Residential Support Worker, Personal Assistant (PA), Care Assistant, Outreach Worker, Youth Worker, Social Worker.
- Specialist Support: Learning Support Assistant (LSA), HLTA, Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) Assistant.
- Education: SLD Teacher, MLD Specialist, SENCo, Intervention Lead, Inclusion Coordinator.
How to Apply
Interviews are scheduled on a rolling basis. Please submit your CV highlighting your experience with SLD/MLD and your approach to safeguarding.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary, Fixed term contract, Zero hours contract
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Employee mentoring programme
- Flexitime
Work Location: On the road
