Learning Support Worker Review

This job involves working with adults with autism. Also, dealing with challenging behaviours, mood swings etc. Most of the days you spend working one on one with the learners. You would be teaching various things like colours, maths, recognising garden tools. Support with personal care. Support with various on site and off site activities such as going to the gym, walks, cafe trips, horse riding, swimming, litter picking, cooking, gardening, football, tennis, badminton.

I have greatly improved my communication and social skills as I was working with a large team and various learners. This placement has been really challenging, but improved my ability to act in stressful situations, my resilience and confidence. I have learnt a lot about autism, behaviourism and it's teaching practices. My ability to work both independently and as part of a team has also further developed. I have further developed my time management skills.

You are given as much responsibility as mentioned before you start the placement. You are mainly working with two learners per day on a one to one or two to one basis. And your job is to follow their individual plans as well as choose what teaching and activities you are doing during the day. There is no same day twice. You are overall responsible for their physical and mental well-being, but there is always lots of support when needed.

The initial training, despite feeling daunting, was really helpful. There is a lot of theory to learn, and then a lot of individual learner's specific you should know to build a connection with them. Guidance is provided for everything you need. Since this is a stressful job, there is mental health support as well. Everyone was really nice, understanding and supportive. There are people you can ask for advice, support or just talk if you have that need.

Jigsaw is a fun, cheerful place. The staff is friendly, supportive and smiling. Overall, the atmosphere is good, lots of laughs and fun. However, some days when you're facing a lot of challenges it can be stressful. And yet there is support on site. And somehow even in the bad days, when you feel overwhelmed, you're still glad you are doing this job.

I have enjoyed working with the learners, teaching them and doing various activities with them. However, I was not prepared for the amount of challenging behaviours and stressful events that were occurring almost daily. And yet I am happy I did this placement as I have learnt a lot. And it shaped me professionally and personally.

No

If you are taking things personally, this is not the job for you. This job would suit someone with strong mental health and social support. It is challenging, it is stressful. But also it is very rewarding. Being able to do this job gives you a great advantage, both professionally and personally.