Support Worker – Fixed Term – Part Time – Knapwell
ID: 327853Job Specialism: CollegeLocation: KnapwellSalary: 13.10 per hourClosing Date: Thursday, 29th October 2026
Could you be one of our next Support Workers?
We’re looking for reliable and motivated Support Workers to join our team at Sense College Knapwell, supporting young adults with complex disabilities to access learning, develop their independence and get the most out of everyday life.
We have multiple fixed-term opportunities available until July 2027, with various hours available, with a salary of 13.10 per hour. You’ll work Monday to Friday between 9:15am and 4:15pm, for 39 weeks per year (term time) 13.10. There are no evening, weekend or shift-working requirements, and opportunities for overtime may be available. Contracts may be renewed depending on student numbers.
Please note: Sense College Knapwell is not accessible by public transport, so you’ll need reliable alternative arrangements for travelling to and from the College.
As a Support Worker, you’ll provide high-quality, person-centred support to young adults with complex communication needs, learning difficulties and physical disabilities, helping them develop their skills and achieve their individual learning goals.
You’ll support learners to take part in meaningful educational activities, develop their independence and communication skills, and access opportunities within their local community. A big part of your role will be encouraging learners to make choices, build their confidence and take an active role in their everyday lives.
Communication is at the heart of what we do. We use a total communication approach, which may include British Sign Language (BSL), Sign Supported English, on-body signing, intensive interaction, pictorial symbols, objects of reference, communication aids, facial expressions and body language. You’ll be supported to develop the communication skills needed to meet each learner’s individual needs.
The duties are varied and no two days will be the same. You may support learners with personal care, mobility, health and wellbeing, as well as helping them participate in activities that reflect their interests, abilities and aspirations.
What we’re looking for:
We’re looking for people who are caring, reliable and committed to providing genuinely person-centred support.
You’ll need:
A positive attitude towards supporting young adults with complex disabilities
The ability to work independently as well as part of a team
The ability to adapt your communication style to meet the needs of the people you support
A willingness to develop new communication skills, including signs and symbols where required
The ability to support learners with their personal care and everyday activities
Confidence using your own initiative and good judgement
A creative, person-centred approach to problem solving
The ability to build positive working relationships with learners, colleagues and others
Reliable transport arrangements to travel to and from the College, as there is no public transport serving the site
Previous experience or qualifications in care or support work aren’t essential, as full training will be provided.
Experience supporting people with sensory impairments, learning difficulties or complex needs would be an advantage, as would knowledge of communication methods such as BSL or Makaton.
A full UK manual driving licence and willingness to drive would also be desirable.
About Sense College Knapwell
Sense College Knapwell is located in the village of Knapwell, approximately 10 miles outside Cambridge and within travelling distance of Huntingdon, St Neots and St Ives.
We provide specialist education and support designed around the individual needs, interests and aspirations of our learners.
Our programmes focus on developing communication, independence and everyday living skills, using the Sense Curriculum Framework to create individualised learning goals and celebrate each learner’s achievements.
We offer a wide range of activities, both at the College and within the local community, including:
Communication and creative arts
Therapies and physical activities
Life skills and independent living programmes
Community access and enrichment activities
Educational visits and experiences tailored to learners’ interests and abilities
Our specialist teaching and support teams work together to create an inclusive environment where every learner is listened to, encouraged to achieve and supported to reach their full potential.
Working at Sense gives you a wide range of benefits including:
24 days’ holiday + bank holiday entitlement; increasing with length of service
Free DBS Check
Free leadership and management development
Free access to over 100 online and face-to-face training opportunities
Ongoing development opportunities
Flexible working and family-friendly policies
Employee referral scheme
Health and wellbeing support
Pension Scheme
Discount scheme
About Sense
Sense is here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. That’s why we’re committed to increasing the number of disabled people working across our organisation and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
We actively encourage disabled people to apply for our vacancies and believe that a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and talents makes us stronger.
We know there’s always more we can do to become a truly inclusive employer, and we’re working together to achieve that. Join us and help create the change thousands of disabled people with complex needs and families told us they want to see: a world without limits.
If you need us to adjust our recruitment process to help you access our vacancies, then please get in touch with a member of the Talent Acquisition team. We are a Disability Confident Leader and commit to interviewing disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for a role.
Our Values
Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:
We’re creating change
We’re always learning
We’re better together
Ready to make a difference?
To apply
Managers will use your supporting statement to shortlist candidates for interview in relation to the Person Specification. Therefore, it is very important that you complete this section thoroughly. We recommend that you read the candidate guidelines, job description and person specification before applying.
Please note, to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time.
If you require any further assistance, please contact the Recruitment Team on 0121 393 4529 or recruitment@sense.org.uk.
Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including a DBS check where required.
For these roles, we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of our staff, volunteers and the people we work with.
We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and our belief that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out or unable to fulfil their potential.
No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.
Precise Location: The Cornfield Suite, Glebe Farm, Knapwell, Cambridgeshire, CB23 4GG, United Kingdom…