ALS Student Support Worker
Department: Additional Learning Support
Salary: £13.87 per hour
Contract Type: Variable Hours
Reference: REC2428 | Closing Date: Monday, 22nd June 2026
The Opportunity
Barnsley College is seeking a committed and supportive ALS Student Support Worker to join our Additional Learning Support (ALS) team. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in enabling learners with additional needs to access the curriculum, develop independence and achieve their full potential.
Working across a wide range of curriculum areas, you will support learners from Entry Level 3 through to Level 3, providing tailored support that reflects individual needs. You will be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering high quality, inclusive support that empowers learners to succeed both academically and personally.
This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about making a positive difference, with the drive to support learners in overcoming barriers and progressing confidently towards their goals.
What You’ll Be Doing
As an ALS Student Support Worker, you will provide individual and small group support to learners with a range of additional needs, adapting your approach to ensure each learner can fully engage with their programme of study. Your work will involve supporting the development of learners’ literacy, numeracy, language, cognition and problem solving skills, alongside implementing behavioural and learning strategies that promote independence, resilience and achievement.
Working in this professional environment, you will work across all curriculum areas supporting learners with an EHCP, working on study programmes from entry level up to Level 3. You will use your experience of working with a range of learners with learning difficulties and / or disabilities to ensure that the learners are working in a fully inclusive working environment developing strategies to overcome barriers and succeed in their aspirations.
About You
You will be a compassionate, patient and highly organised individual with a strong commitment to supporting learners with additional needs. You will have experience working with vulnerable children, young people or adults, and be confident in adapting your approach to meet a wide range of learning needs and behaviours.
You will demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive, professional relationships with learners, colleagues and support services. You will be proactive, flexible in your approach and able to work both independently and as part of a team, managing your responsibilities with confidence even when working with a level of autonomy.
With strong attention to detail, you will be capable of producing clear, accurate records and maintaining high quality documentation within required timescales. You will require excellent literacy skills and be able to work to deadline to complete paperwork that is subject to audit.
Essential Skills, Qualifications and Experience
• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
• GCSE Maths and English Level 2 (or equivalent)
• Over 3 months of work experience with vulnerable children / adults, people with learning difficulties and / or disabilities, specific learning difficulties or in the care setting
Reasons to join us
• 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
Closing date for applications is Monday, 22nd June 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.
Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. 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.