Engagement Practitioner

ClosingDate: 23.59 hours BST on Wednesday 22 July 2026

Reference: 0270-26-R

About the College

Northumberland College is Ofsted Outstanding and is building a new multi-million, state-of-the-art campus in Ashington, opening 2026. The successful candidate will be based at this new campus, which includes a purpose-built construction, housing, advanced manufacturing and engineering centre.

Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives

Eligible roles may support industry professionals retraining as FE teachers via the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme, and high need subjects or regions may be eligible for targeted retention incentive payments up to £6,000 during the first five years.

Key Qualities

You build trust quickly with young people who may feel disconnected from education. You stay calm under pressure, listen well and respond with clarity and consistency. You understand behaviour as communication and adapt your approach to meet individual need.

You are organised, proactive and confident working with families, staff and external agencies. You use your judgement to make decisions that remove barriers and improve engagement.

You believe in inclusion, high expectations and early intervention. You focus on strengths, promote independence and help learners take meaningful steps forward.

How will this person be a Changemaker?

You will support learners with SEMH needs to re engage with education and reduce the risk of them becoming NEET. You will act early, identify need and put the right support in place. You will influence how staff respond to learners and help build a consistent, inclusive culture across the provision.

About the Role

This role sits within the new Connect2 SEMH provision and is focused on engagement, triage and early intervention. You will be based in a dedicated hub, acting as a key point of contact for learners who need support to access and sustain their learning.

This new and developing provision offers the opportunity to shape systems, support pathways and learner experience from the start. You will work closely with curriculum teams, support services and external partners to ensure learners receive the right support at the right time.

This role offers strong development opportunities in SEND practice, multi agency working and trauma informed approaches. You will contribute to staff development and help embed inclusive practice across the college.

Role Responsibilities

• Act as a first point of contact for learners, completing triage, initial assessments and identifying support needs
• Provide short term interventions, emotional regulation support and clear signposting to services
• Work with curriculum staff and support staff to remove barriers and improve learner engagement
• Use data and learner information to identify risk and track engagement and progress
• Deliver guidance and training to staff to support inclusive practice and early identification of need
• Build effective relationships with families and external agencies to support learner progression

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in Learning Support, Youth Work, Health and Social Care or related field
• Level 2 English and Maths (or equivalent)
• Experience supporting learners with SEND, particularly SEMH needs
• Experience carrying out assessments, triage or structured learner support
• Experience working with multi agency services and signposting support
• Strong communication and relationship building skills with learners and families
• Ability to use data to identify need and inform support strategies
• Ability to manage records accurately and work to deadlines
• Training or experience in mental health or trauma informed practice
• Experience delivering staff training or guidance
• Knowledge of the SEN Code of Practice
• Experience working in post 16 or alternative provision settings
• Experience supporting learners at risk of disengagement or NEET

What's in it for you?

Join EPNE and be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing. All employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays (excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
• Access to MyLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more
• Dental, eye care & health cash plans
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub offering a broad range of support for physical, mental and financial wellbeing
• Free parking on most campuses
• Free gym access available at Bede Campus

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At EPNE we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We recognise that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and an Armed Forces Covenant Member. With Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and high performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.