Complex Needs Support Worker 

About Us:

Milk Education is more than a supply partner - we’re a community for educators. Join us and gain access to training, personal development opportunities, and ongoing support.

We’re currently recruiting for a Complex Needs Support Worker to join a specialist school in Gateshead on a long or short-term basis, starting in September.

You’ll be joining a supportive and inclusive specialist setting that places individual wellbeing, inclusion and independence at the heart of everything they do. The school is committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment where every young person is supported to communicate, engage in learning and develop their individual skills and potential.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting young people with complex learning, physical, sensory, communication and additional needs, and wants to develop their skills within a specialist education environment.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with complex and additional needs
• Supporting pupils to access learning and participate fully in school life
• Developing positive, trusting and consistent relationships with pupils
• Supporting communication through verbal, visual, sensory and alternative communication methods
• Encouraging pupils to develop independence, confidence and life skills at their own pace
• Supporting sensory activities and personalised learning experiences
• Assisting pupils with physical needs and mobility where required
• Supporting personal care, including toileting, feeding and hygiene, where required
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation and wellbeing
• Following individual support plans and personalised strategies
• Helping pupils develop communication, social interaction and engagement skills
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, therapists and other professionals to meet individual needs
• Monitoring and sharing relevant information around pupil progress, engagement and wellbeing
• Supporting pupils during lessons, transitions, break and lunchtime where required
• Promoting a safe, calm, respectful and inclusive environment
• Following safeguarding procedures and school policies at all times

Who is this role suitable for?

This role is ideal for someone who has some relevant knowledge, experience or qualifications and is looking to develop their skills further within a specialist education, care or support setting.

You may be a:

• Recent graduate with a degree in Psychology, Education, Childhood Studies, Health & Social Care, Social Work, Occupational Therapy or a related subject
• Graduate looking to explore a future career in SEND, education, care, therapy or support work
• Candidate with some experience in care, support work, education, healthcare, youth work or community support
• Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant looking to develop specialist SEND experience
• Support Worker looking to transfer their existing skills into a specialist school environment
• Someone interested in developing their understanding of complex needs, communication, sensory support and person-centred care

The role provides an opportunity to put your existing knowledge and transferable skills into practice, while developing valuable experience supporting young people with a range of complex needs.

You’ll gain practical experience in communication, sensory support, personal care, emotional wellbeing, independence and person-centred approaches, while working alongside experienced education and specialist support professionals.

Whether you’re taking your first step into specialist education or looking to build on experience you already have, this role can provide a strong foundation for a rewarding career supporting children and young people with additional needs.

Requirements or Skills:

• A relevant degree, qualification or previous experience working with children or adults with additional needs is desirable
• A genuine passion for supporting individuals with complex needs and helping them achieve their potential
• Patient, calm, caring and empathetic approach
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build positive and trusting relationships with pupils
• Comfortable supporting personal care needs where required
• Resilient and able to remain calm in challenging or unpredictable situations
• Willingness to learn and develop your understanding of complex SEND
• Comfortable working as part of a wider education, care and specialist support team
• Reliable, adaptable and proactive
• Experience supporting individuals with complex learning difficulties, physical disabilities, sensory needs, autism or communication difficulties is advantageous but not essential
• Two recent professional references

Benefits:

• Competitive rates of pay with temp-to-perm routes available.
• Speedy registration process & fast-track compliance – APSCo Compliance+ accredited for the highest safer recruitment standards.
• Flexible days and working hours to suit your schedule.
• Culture-matched placements – we take the time to understand you and find schools that fit your values and strengths.
• Priority Partnership school network – access to trusted schools who work with us long-term on staffing, enrichment and community initiatives.
• 5+ CPD courses completed before placement (including Safeguarding, SEND & Behaviour) with access to further accredited training through Milk Academy.
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources, designed by real teachers.
• FREE Educator Wellbeing resources and access to our community hub – because we believe supported staff stay longer and make a bigger impact.
• School Preparation Pack with handover notes and insightful school guides – so you walk in ready on day one.
• 24/7 support from your personal consultant, directly through their work mobile phone to ensure your journey is personal.

This role is paid within the advertised pay scale. Your starting rate will be determined by your qualifications, relevant experience, and the requirements of the assignment.

Interested? Click ‘Apply Now’ or drop me a message — happy to chat through the details.

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited, meeting the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education and APSCo guidelines.

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief or age. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy, available on our website. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.