Specialist Learning Support Assistant

• Specialist Learning Support Assistant
• Middlesbrough
• 37 Hours per Week
• Fixed Term until June 2027
• Term Time Only (37 working weeks)
• Actual Annual Salary £22,032 - £23,541 (FTE £26,348 - £28,153 - Based on increments)

The Northern Art Group is seeking a passionate and experienced Specialist Learning Support Assistant to provide specialist support for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine direct student support with a mentoring and advisory role, helping to shape inclusive practice across the college. Working closely with the SENDCo, you will support students to overcome barriers to learning, improve wellbeing, achieve positive outcomes, and fully engage with college life.

We are looking for someone with experience supporting learners with additional needs, particularly SEMH, and a strong understanding of SEND and safeguarding requirements. You will be an effective communicator with excellent relationship-building skills, able to work collaboratively with students, staff and external agencies. Experience of mentoring colleagues and working within an educational setting would be advantageous.

The successful candidate will provide specialist support to students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them overcome barriers to learning, build resilience and achieve positive outcomes. Working closely with the SENDCo, you will deliver targeted interventions, support student wellbeing, and act as a lead practitioner, offering guidance and mentoring to Learning Support Assistants and curriculum staff. You will also contribute to support planning, transition arrangements and the development of inclusive practice across the college.

What will you get if you join us:

• A culture that supports work-life balance, and cares for the wellbeing of staff;
• Staff development opportunities;
• Generous annual leave;
• Free confidential counselling service and physiotherapy;
• Free eye tests and contribution towards glasses for VDU use;
• Free IT products including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud;
• Professional fees paid;
• Staff recognition awards;
• Free car parking and access to other staff benefits; and
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with significant employer contributions.

• To download an application pack, please visit https://northernart.ac.uk/careers
• Closing date for receipt of completed applications: 04/10/2026
• Please send your completed application to jobs@northernart.ac.uk

The Northern Art Group recognises that it has a statutory and moral duty to promote and safeguard the welfare of its students who are under the age of 18 and of its vulnerable adults.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975

If successful, an Enhanced DBS Check (with barred list check) will be required. Please note, it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

For roles where applicable, including Teaching Staff and Technician Demonstrators, prohibition checks will be carried out for successful applicants.

Additionally, as part of the shortlisting process, an online search will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates.