Learning Support Worker; Placement

Overview

• Are you studying Psychology or Social Care at University
• Are you interested in Special Educational Needs and Behaviour Analysis?
• Are you looking to get one step ahead in your career before leaving university?

Jigsaw Plus adult day centre for autistic learners aged 18 and over, is now recruiting for their sought after 1-year paid placements for university students who are looking to develop their careers in psychology and social care.

Placement Students will have the opportunity to gain hands on experience of supporting autistic adults to grow life skills whilst accessing a wide range of funded training and qualification opportunities in Social Care and Behaviour Analysis. You will receive support and regular supervision from some of the UK’s leading and internationally recognised Behaviour Analytic experts.

• A competitive salary and performance related bonus scheme
• Extensive training and development - all Fully funded!
• Sociable hours – 9am to 5pm, no shift, evening, overnights or weekend work
• Work alongside our in-house team of experienced therapists
• Excellent staff wellbeing and support facilities
• Discounts at over 900 retailers via our online ‘Smart Spending’ platform

• A range of Health & Social Care courses including completion of the Care Certificate
• Behaviour specific qualifications including CABAS Teaching Assistant Ranks (cabasschools.org) and Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) ()
• Regular industry training in Safeguarding, Emergency Medication, Behaviour Management, Personal Care, Autism, First Aid and more

‘‘It has been an amazing and informative year – the best placement I could have ever asked for. I’ve gained so much knowledge about Autism and Applied Behavioural Analysis. My decision making, communication and problem-solving skills have improved hugely too.’

‘My placement at Jigsaw was amazing! Working at Jigsaw has been a fantastic opportunity and very enjoyable - there is something new to look forward to everyday!’

• Planning, preparing and delivering lessons and activities supporting the development of life skills
• Supporting adult learners’ participation in social, leisure and educational activities within the local community, applying theory-based learning to practice
• Supporting adult learners to access work experience and employment opportunities
• Contributing to research and undertaking training to support your personal development

• Professional, personal or voluntary experience of working with adults or young people with disabilities
• An interest in special educational needs, specifically autism
• Sound literacy and numeracy skills (Maths & English GCSE Grade 4 or above is desirable)
• Commitment to our regular and ongoing professional development programme and training
• A positive, patient, caring and can-do attitude
• Ability to keep calm in high pressure situations
• Driver’s licence or access to a lift (due to remote location of our site)
• Confidence when working with children who exhibit behaviour that challenges and supporting with personal/intimate care

Salary: £25000

Contract terms
:
Monday, to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm

Annual Leave: 25 Days plus bank holidays

Closing Date: Placement are offered on a first come first served basis, therefore, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We anticipate that interviews for shortlisted applicants will commence in November/December 2025

ALL PLACEMENTS REQUIRE A MINIMUM COMMITMENT OF 1 ACADEMIC YEAR AND WILL COMMENCE BETWEEN JULY 2026 AND AUGUST 2026

To find out more and apply please visit our dedicated careers website at

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults  expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All successful candidates will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)