Support Worker - Animal Antiks - North Marston

We are looking for a compassionate, proactive and reliable Support Worker to join our team at Animal Antiks. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about supporting children, young people and vulnerable adults through hands-on, outdoor and animal-assisted learning experiences.

About Animal Antiks Group
Animal Antiks Group is a Buckinghamshire-based organisation providing education, vocational training, and therapeutic support for young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). We operate across three connected divisions:
·        Animal Antiks: our farm-based vocational training hub
·        Different Steps CIC: our accredited learning provider (ASDAN and City & Guilds qualifications)
·        Animal Antiks Charity: therapeutic outdoor support for young people who need it most

We're passionate about making a real difference for young people who've often struggled in traditional educational settings, and that means we need a fantastic team behind the scenes to make everything tick. That's where you come in!

Our mission is simple: Open Hearts, Unlock Minds and Inspire People.

The Role
Contract Type & Salary

• Salary: £28,000 – £30,000 pro rata
• Full time and Term-time only positions available

We are looking for a compassionate, proactive and reliable Support Worker to join our team at Animal Antiks. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about supporting children, young people and vulnerable adults through hands-on, outdoor and animal-assisted learning experiences. You will work directly with learners on our farm-based provision, supporting them to develop independence, confidence, communication skills and practical life skills through structured activities involving animals, nature and outdoor education. You will also support volunteers and contribute to community events and wider farm-based learning activities.

After successful completion of probation, you will be expected to complete the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (or equivalent Lifelong Learning teaching qualification) unless this qualification is already held.

Key Responsibilities

• Support learners on a 1:1 basis or in small groups (up to 5 learners) during structured farm-based learning sessions
• Plan, deliver and adapt engaging, purposeful activities linked to individual learner needs and outcomes
• Work alongside education staff to support EHCP outcomes, personal development goals and learning objectives
• Facilitate safe and positive interactions between learners, animals and the outdoor environment
• Promote independence, emotional regulation, communication and social development
• Use positive, person-centred approaches to support engagement and behaviour
• Support learners in developing practical skills through farm routines and animal care activities
• Undertake animal care tasks alongside learners as part of structured learning
• Supervise, support and guide volunteers during sessions and daily activities
• Support induction of new volunteers and ensure safe working practices are followed
• Assist in planning structured learning sessions and rolling activity programmes
• Observe, record and feedback on learner progress and engagement as required
• Contribute to risk assessments and highlight any changes in learner needs or activity safety
• Support safeguarding, health and safety, and behaviour support procedures at all times
• Support fundraising, community and promotional events
• Represent Animal Antiks in a professional, positive and inclusive manner at all times
• Liaise with the wider team regarding resources, equipment and site needs
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by management

Training and Development

• Upon successful completion of probation, the postholder will be expected to complete the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (or equivalent Lifelong Learning qualification) unless already held
• Ongoing training will be provided, including safeguarding, behaviour support, health and safety, and animal-assisted learning practice
• Opportunities for continued professional development within education, SEND and alternative provision settings

Person Specification
Essential

• Experience working with children, young people or vulnerable adults
• Ability to build positive, trusting and professional relationships
• Calm, patient and adaptable approach in a dynamic environment
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners
• Ability to support and facilitate practical, hands-on learning activities
• Confidence supporting and supervising volunteers
• Understanding of professional boundaries and safeguarding practice

Desirable

• Experience in education, care, youth work or SEND settings
• Experience working with animals or in a farm-based environment
• Knowledge of EHCPs or person-centred planning approaches
• Experience planning or supporting group activities
• First Aid qualification
• Behaviour support training or positive behaviour support experience

How to Apply
If this sounds like your kind of role we would love to hear from you

Safeguarding
Animal Antiks Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, full employment history and any other pre-employment checks required for the role.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community