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Student Support Worker / Minibus Driver
Learning for Living & Work
Hourly Rate: £13.08 per hour
Contract Type: Variable hours | Approximately 37 hours per week
Reference: REC2129 | Closing Date: Wednesday, 18th June 2025
Variable Hours
This role is offered on a Variable Hours contract for services, giving you the flexibility to choose whether to accept work offered to you. We’ll provide an approximate number of hours you may asked to work, however there is no obligation for work to be offered, and there’s no obligation for you to accept the work offered.
The Opportunity
Based in our Learning for Living and Work department, you will make a real difference to the lives of our learners with a range of learning difficulties and/or disabilities. You’ll support them to access education, grow in confidence, and build independence.
Working closely with tutors and support staff, you’ll provide one-to-one and small group support in both classroom and community settings. Your role will help create a positive and inclusive environment where every learner’s individual needs are met.
Day to day, you’ll help our students develop important life skills such as reading, writing, maths, communication, and social interaction. You’ll support the delivery of personalised plans, including Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and promote self-advocacy, wellbeing, and positive behaviour. This could sometimes include providing personal care or using de-escalation techniques when our learners need emotional support. You’ll also encourage participation in enrichment activities, community projects, and educational visits to help our learners gain practical, real-world experience.
As part of your role, you’ll also be responsible for driving the department minibus. This means safely transporting our learners to and from off-site learning centres, work placements, or activities in the local area. You’ll carry out vehicle safety checks, keep records up to date, and make sure the minibus stays clean and roadworthy. During journeys, you’ll supervise our learners, support them as needed, and make sure all travel follows college safeguarding and safety guidelines.
This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. You’ll need to be flexible, dependable, and genuinely passionate about helping our learners become more independent and confident, both in and beyond the classroom.
About You
We’re looking for a compassionate, reliable, and proactive individual who is committed to supporting our learners with a range of learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of young people, helping them gain independence, achieve their goals, and engage in both educational and community-based activities.
You should have experience in supporting individuals with varying needs, particularly in a learning or care setting, and be able to adapt your approach to meet the specific requirements of each learner. A patient and empathetic approach is essential, along with the ability to foster a positive, inclusive environment that encourages our learners to succeed.
Driving experience is essential, as you'll be responsible for safely transporting our learners to off-site locations. You should hold a valid UK driving licence with a D1 driving license category and a good understanding of road safety and vehicle maintenance. You’ll also be comfortable supervising learners during transport, providing assistance as needed to ensure their wellbeing.
A proactive attitude, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work well within a team are crucial. Additionally, a flexible approach to working hours, as occasional evening and weekend work may be required, is important. A commitment to promoting diversity, equal opportunities, and safeguarding will also be essential in this role.
Below is a list of some of the key skills, qualifications and experience we are seeking for this exciting opportunity.
Required
* A full, clean UK driving licence with D1 category entitlement
* Level 2 qualification in Maths and English (or equivalent)
* Level 3 teaching qualification (e.g. ETA) or a commitment to work towards achieving this
* Current and valid MIDAS training certification, or a willingness to complete this training
Preferred
* Experience supporting learners with disabilities
Reasons to join us
* 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
* Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities
* Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App
* 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
Closing date for applications is Wednesday, 18th June 2025. 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