Job Description
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MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING LSA
Required April 2024
Permanent, 37.5 hours per week, term time only
Actual salary up to £22,886pa STN27 depending on qualification level
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and committed Mental Health and Wellbeing LSA to join our supportive and successful SEND team, providing support for individuals and groups of pupils. The position is predominantly to support pupils in the Senior School (Years 6-11) but a willingness and ability to engage with pupils across the whole school age range will be required.
In addition to the typical LSA responsibilities this position will take a lead on coordinating and leading the Mental Health and Wellbeing provision and response for pupils. Part of this role is to support the identification of at-risk pupils and use early help systems to signpost and link into children and young people's mental health services. There will be an oversight of the delivery of interventions delivered and will measure the impact within the school. They will support staff in contact with pupils who have been identified with SEMH (social, emotional, mental health needs) to help raise awareness, and develop the confidence level of all staff to work with these students.
This is an excellent opportunity for candidates who are potentially looking to gain experience to progress into teaching and/or for those who aspire to work within education.
The successful applicant
It is desirable that the successful candidate will have previous LSA experience and be capable of establishing productive working relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and setting high expectations. They will have proven success working as part of an effective team and demonstrate the ability to show initiative.
They will be able to promote the inclusion and acceptance of all students within the classroom and be supportive of students consistently, whilst recognising and responding to their individual needs. They will be able to demonstrate good organising, planning and have the ability to prioritise. We are looking for someone friendly yet professional, with a respectful approach.
The role is permanent, term time only, 37.5 hours per week including lunch break, 8.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Annual salary for the position is dependent on qualification level: up to £22,886 pa.
We offer a wide range of benefits to school staff including training and development opportunities, up to 50% fee reduction for children of staff (after completing one year), contributory pension, occupational health scheme, great career opportunities and free lunches (during term time).
Closing date for applications 15th April 2024.
Key Responsibilities
This list is not exhaustive and you may be required to undertake other responsibilities and training as requested by your line manager or Headmaster. Key responsibilities include:
· Contribute to the development of a whole school policy for Mental Health and Wellbeing in conjunction with the SENCO, Assistant SENCO, and Pastoral SLT members
· Oversea staff training regarding mental health
· Work closely with DSL and SENCO/ Assistant SENCO regarding emerging needs
· Maintain the Young Carers list and ensure that all Young Carers receive the relevant support
· Work with relevant team members to organise focus weeks and events, including events for parents
· Provide Mental Health and Well Being support to identified pupils
· Plan and implement Intervention Programmes for pupils and help monitor their progress.
· Participate in and contribute to the development of the SEND department.
· Support students with learning difficulties as required by Learning Support Plans, protocols for interventions and the school's strategy to improve student attainment across Key Stages 3 and 4. This will require working to agreed goals and objectives for individual or groups of pupils.
· Work collaboratively with teachers in the delivery of teaching and learning to ensure that students' progress and experiences are recorded. These records will be used to inform Individual Education Plans and Pastoral Support Programmes.
· Understand how pupils' learning is affected by their physical, intellectual, emotional and social development and understand the stages of child development
· Provide 1:1 or small group intervention work as needed including in-class support
· Provide resources from educational websites to support SEN.
· Support pupils with exam access arrangements including acting as a Reader / Scribe for GCSE and End of Unit assessments and support any students that have SEN needs.
· Conduct spelling and reading assessments
· Assist with revision techniques for small groups of pupils for GCSE.
· Support students during non- contact time.
· Update and maintain impact and intervention records.
· Contribute to parent/agency meetings if required, including contacting parents either via email or telephone
· Contribute to SEND Team meetings.
· Take part in training/CPD including First Aid Training.
· Support the SENCO and Assistant SENCO in creating and monitoring pupils' Intervention Plans.
· Support pupils with emotional or behavioural problems and help develop their social skills.
· Select and make good use of ICT skills for support where appropriate.
· Be familiar with the school's current systems and structures as outlined in policy documents including the Health and Safety and Child Protection Policies.
· To act as a mentor for students identified as requiring support in order for them to achieve their full potential at the school.
· Provide pastoral / conflict resolution support
· Establish high expectations of behaviour and attainment, so that learning objectives are met.
· Set a good example in terms of dress, punctuality and attendance.
Professional development and appraisal
· Be aware of the need to take responsibility for your own professional development.
· To be able to identify areas for own CPD and work alongside the SENCO to target areas for own development.
· Undertake professional duties that may be reasonably assigned by the Headmaster e.g. training courses.
· Support the SENCO in creating and monitoring pupils' Intervention Plans.
Effective communication
· Provide reports on individual progress to the SENCO and parents as required.
· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues and parents.
· Participate as required in meetings with professional colleagues and parents in respect of the duties and responsibilities of the post.
Contribution to school life
Pastoral duties
· Attend weekly assemblies as required.
· Take on break and lunch duties as required.
Staff meetings and training
· Attend pre-term staff training and inset days.
· Attend the weekly after-school staff meeting as required.
School events
· Demonstrate support of the Friends organised events, including attending the Christmas which takes place on the last day of term.
Key QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Essential
· Relevant qualifications (both formal and through appropriate experience) to meet the challenge of the specific appointment
· Evidence of successful employment and education.
· You will be educated with formal qualifications including GCSE (or Level 2 equivalent) in Mathematics and English Language or similar qualifications gained since leaving compulsory education.
General
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail
· Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively
· Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills
· A strong work ethic and willingness to take on a range of responsibilities as required
Personal Attributes
· A positive and proactive attitude, with a willingness to take on new challenges and learn new skills
· High levels of energy, drive and enthusiasm, with a commitment to achieving results
· Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
· Flexibility and adaptability, with the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
· A commitment to continuous improvement and a desire to develop new skills and knowledge
· Collaborative team player
· Positive, hardworking, and flexible
· Ability to approach all confidential matters with discretion, sensitivity and diplomacy
We would love to hear from you if you are looking to join a supportive and enthusiastic team in beautiful rural surroundings.We respect the hard work and commitment demonstrated by everyone at Saint Nicholas School and we are proud of the caring and mutually supportive atmosphere.
SAFEGUARDING
Saint Nicholas School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and other vulnerable groups and expects all staff, parents and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff and volunteers, where appropriate, will be required to complete our safer recruitment checks including qualifications; references; enhanced DBS and barred list; proof of identity; right to work in the UK; overseas, EEA and prohibition checks.New employees will be required to submit a Staff Self Declaration form (referring to disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006 as amended in 2018).