Complex Needs Support Worker – Woodingdean 

Full-time | Immediate Start | £90-100 a day dependent on training

We are looking for compassionate, enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join a specialist education setting supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), particularly those with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and complex needs.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people, helping them overcome barriers, develop new skills and achieve their individual potential.

The school places great importance on Respect, Aspiration and Resilience, creating an inclusive and nurturing environment where every pupil is valued, communication is encouraged and individual achievements are celebrated.

Many pupils have additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), severe physical disabilities, hearing impairments, speech and language difficulties, sensory impairments and complex medical conditions.

As a Complex Needs Support Worker, you will play an important role in supporting pupils both inside and outside the classroom, helping to make learning accessible, meaningful and enjoyable for every individual.

The role

You will work closely with teachers and a wider multidisciplinary team to provide personalised support, encouraging pupils to develop their communication, independence, social interaction and life skills.

Every child learns differently, and your role will be to recognise and celebrate those differences, adapting your approach to meet their individual needs.

Alongside supporting learning, you will receive specialist training from experienced staff, nurses and therapists to help you confidently support pupils with their physical, medical and personal care needs.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting individual learning: Working alongside teachers to deliver engaging, practical and personalised learning activities, breaking tasks down into manageable steps.

• Communication and interaction: Encouraging pupils to communicate using their individual methods, which may include Makaton, symbols, gestures, eye pointing, vocalisations and other communication aids.

• Personal care: Supporting pupils with their personal hygiene, toileting and daily care routines, always maintaining dignity, privacy and respect.

• Eating and drinking: Supporting pupils with mealtimes and following individual guidance and care plans to ensure their safety.

• Mobility and physical support: Assisting pupils with mobility, positioning and specialist equipment, including wheelchairs, following appropriate training.

• Medical support: Working alongside trained professionals and following individual healthcare plans and procedures once appropriately trained and authorised.

• Developing independence: Encouraging pupils to build confidence, make choices and develop practical life skills wherever possible.

• Safeguarding: Promoting the safety and wellbeing of all pupils and understanding the additional safeguarding considerations when working with children with disabilities.

About you

We are interested in hearing from candidates who genuinely want to make a difference.

You do not necessarily need previous experience in a specialist school. Applications are welcomed from individuals with a variety of backgrounds, as full training and ongoing support will be provided.

Previous experience supporting children or adults with PMLD, complex medical needs, physical disabilities or other additional needs would be advantageous.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Compassionate, empathetic and patient.

• Resilient and adaptable, with a positive attitude.

• Reliable, hardworking and committed.

• Passionate about supporting children and young people with SEND.

• Proactive and willing to learn new skills.

• Comfortable supporting children with personal care and physical needs.

• A strong team player who can work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, nurses and other professionals.

• Committed to promoting dignity, respect, inclusion and independence.

Knowledge of Makaton, alternative communication methods or manual handling would be beneficial but is not essential.

Most importantly, we are looking for people with the right attitude, compassion and enthusiasm. Whether you have years of experience or are looking to begin a rewarding career in SEND education, we would love to hear from you.

Why join this setting?

This is an opportunity to become part of a supportive specialist education environment where no two days are the same.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Make a genuine difference to children’s lives and educational journeys.

• Develop specialist skills through training from experienced professionals.

• Work alongside a dedicated team of teachers, nurses and therapists.

• Help children discover new ways to communicate, learn and interact with the world.

• Celebrate individual achievements, however big or small.

How to apply

If you are passionate about supporting children with complex SEND needs and feel you have the qualities we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.

You can apply for this position below or contact us directly to find out more about the opportunity.

All candidates will be required to hold an enhanced DBS check before commencing employment. Support and guidance with the application process will be provided where required.

If you are not contacted within five working days, unfortunately, your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

By applying for this position, you consent to Engage Education Ltd storing your personal details securely in accordance with applicable GDPR and data protection requirements.