Learning and Support Worker

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of learners? We're looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Learning and Support Worker to join our team! If you're driven by helping others reach their full potential, providing one-on-one support, and creating an inclusive, nurturing environment, this is your chance to be part of something truly rewarding. Bring your compassion, creativity, and commitment to support students in their learning journey and empower them to succeed!

What the role entails

We are seeking a dedicated Learning Support Worker to deliver Reading Support within a prison environment. In this role, you will work closely with learners who require additional help with literacy, providing tailored support to improve their reading skills and confidence. As a Learning and Support Worker at HMP Leeds, you will be responsible for the carrying out of learner inductions, screening and assessment activities for prospective and existing learners, agreeing support needs and starting points for learning and encouraging and motivating prisoners to engage in education. This role is site-based, working 37hrs per week on a full-time, permanent basis.

Who are Novus?

Novus are a leading provider of prison education and have been supporting men, women, and children of all ages for over 30 years across the UK to take new directions. We are also part of the LTE group of companies that also include, MOL, Total People, UCEN, and LTE group operations. We are currently rated "Good" by Ofsted. We have partnerships with over 1000 industry and employer partners to ensure our learners secure their place as the movers and shakers of the future. Our business is growing year on year due to our continued success as a leading provider in prison education.

Site information

Leeds Prison, also known as HMP Leeds, is a Category B men's prison. Established in 1847, it has played a significant role in the UK's correctional system. The facility can house over 1,200 inmates and offers various programs aimed at rehabilitation and skill development. Leeds Prison is a prominent correctional facility in West Yorkshire, UK, with a long history of housing inmates of varying categories.

Remuneration and Benefits

Successful candidates will be offered a salary of £24,242.40 - £26,001 per annum. As part of the LTE Group family, colleagues also benefit from the following package:

35 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
2 hours for wellbeing / personal development per week
Significant Pension contributions
Retail Discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Cycle to work scheme

Role Responsibilities

Deliver one-to-one and small group reading interventions.
Support learners in developing reading comprehension and fluency.
Work alongside prison education staff to encourage engagement in learning.
Adapt support strategies to meet individual learning needs.
Monitor progress and provide feedback to learners and line manager.
Promote a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Requirements:
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work within a secure environment, adhering to prison regulations.
Patience, empathy, and the ability to motivate and inspire learners.
A relevant qualification in education, literacy support, or a related field (desirable).
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals' lives by improving their literacy skills and increasing their chances of rehabilitation and reintegration.

A list of general role responsibilities are also included in the attached job profile.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will need to:

Hold Level 2 qualifications in Literacy and Numeracy (or be willing to work towards within an agreed timeframe)
Hold Hidden Difficulties Level 2 or equivalent (or be willing to work towards within an agreed timeframe)
Commit to positive team working
Commit to the achievement of set performance targets
Produce accurate and timely reporting
Have experience of conducting assessments and supporting learning of individuals and groups (Desirable)
Have experience of working with groups of learners with a range of abilities (Desirable)
Have experience of successful working in an effective multi-disciplinary team (Desirable)

Novus, as part of the LTE Group, is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be required to undergo an appropriate DBS check via the Criminal Records Bureau and may be subject to additional online checks as part of our pre-screening process. Some roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and would require an Enhanced DBS check.

The closing date for this job advert is 02/05/2025. However, the job advert may close early if we receive a good response.

Novus is committed to providing an environment where everyone is valued as an individual and where learners and colleagues can work, learn, flourish and develop their skills and knowledge in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. We are committed to working in an inclusive way with all the communities in which we are geographically located and to developing a workforce and learner community that reflects the UK's rich diversity and vibrancy