Job description
Job Title: Complex Needs Learning Support Assistant
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Contract: Part Time, Full Time, Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026 or sooner
Salary: £92 - £115 per day
Support learners with complex additional needs to access education, build independence, and achieve meaningful personal and academic progress in a truly inclusive environment!
GSL Education are currently recruiting for a dedicated and resilient Complex Needs Learning Support Assistant to work within a post-16 educational setting in York.
This is a highly rewarding opportunity to work closely with young people who require significant levels of support to engage with learning. You will play a vital role in helping learners overcome barriers, develop essential life skills, and participate fully in their educational experience.
About the Role:
As a Complex Needs Learning Support Assistant, you will provide tailored support to learners with a wide range of high-level additional needs. Working alongside teaching staff and specialist support teams, you will help ensure that each student receives personalised assistance that promotes engagement, independence, and progression.
Learners you support may present with Autism Spectrum Condition, ADHD, Dyslexia, Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, Speech and Language Communication needs, Dyspraxia, and Moderate to Severe Learning Difficulties.
Core Responsibilities of the Complex Needs Learning Support Assistant:
- Deliver 1:1 and small-group support to learners with complex needs
- Assist students in engaging with learning activities in accessible and meaningful ways
- Support communication, sensory regulation, and emotional wellbeing needs
- Encourage independence, confidence, and participation in learning and college life
- Implement individual support strategies and care plans as directed
- Promote positive behaviour and help learners manage transitions and routines
- Work closely with teaching staff, therapists, and wider support professionals
- Build trusting and consistent relationships with learners to encourage engagement
- Contribute to a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment
As the Ideal Complex Needs Learning Support Assistant, You Should Have:
- Experience working with children or young people with complex SEND needs
- Understanding of Autism, ADHD, SEMH, communication difficulties, and learning disabilities
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build meaningful relationships
- Confidence supporting learners with challenging or highly individual needs
- Ability to adapt quickly to different situations and learner requirements
- A background in education, care, support work, or youth services is highly desirable
- Relevant SEND training or qualifications would be an advantage
To Work with GSL Education, You Must:
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Provide an up-to-date CV with relevant reference information covering the last 2 years
- Have recent experience working with children or young people
- Hold an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or be willing to apply for one
If you are a committed Complex Needs Learning Support Assistant looking to make a genuine impact in a specialist post-16 setting in York, we welcome your application.
GSL Education are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS check registered to the update service (or willingness to apply for one), satisfactory references, and verification of qualifications and right to work in the UK.
To apply to work with GSL Education as a Complex Needs Learning Support Assistant in York, or to find out more, please contact Kerry Fowler at GSL Education and submit an up-to-date CV via the application link.