Closing date: 17 June 2026
Ada, the National College for Digital Skills, we are excited to be building on our Sixth form provision in London. Alongside this we are launching a new 16-19 provision in Manchester in September 2026! This expansion marks a significant step in Ada’s mission to make the tech sector more representative and address the growing need for skilled digital professionals across both cities.
The ideal candidate will be inspired by Ada’s mission to empower the next generation of diverse digital talent and will play a key role in building a high achieving 16-19 Provision at Ada.
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 8:45 to 4:45pm (Working days will be agreed upon successful offer)
Holidays: Largely in line with local authority term dates. (October half term-2 weeks)
Disclosure: The successful candidate will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Additional Benefits:
Aviva Pension Scheme
2 Mental Health days (Paid)
EAP Access via Health Assured
UNIDAYS
Discounted Gym membership (Everyone Active)
Please send your cv and cover letter addressing how you meet the person specification to jobs@ada.ac.uk.
At Ada we are committed to removing barriers to learning and securing destinations. As part of our pastoral care, all our learners have access to Spectrum Life – an online counselling provision. Students are able to use this to seek support and access resources for general support, mental health and wellbeing.
Purpose:
- To provide high-quality counselling service to the students at Ada who are experiencing a wide range of emotional problems
- To provide support, guidance and advice to parents, carers and the college
- To observe confidentiality and to support the college’s endeavour to provide excellent teaching and learning for all students
- Contribute to the safeguarding and promotion of welfare and personal care of young people
Key Responsibilities:
- To be responsible for the confidential counselling services to students across London and Manchester as needed
- To be responsible for advice and support to staff
- To be responsible for maintaining appropriate and confidential records
- To review usage of spectrum life and follow up with appropriate CPD and learner services led student workshops
- To liaise with the Designated Safeguarding Lead on a frequent basis
- Participate in supervision with the Line Manager and discuss and report any concerns or issues arising from the supervisions that have taken place within your own work
- Adhere to Ada’s procedure regarding counselling hours offered to students
- Identify and report any safeguarding and child protection concerns following Ada’s Safeguarding process
- When required, make recommendations and consult with the college for referral onto external services
- To provide regular audit information such as numbers, age range and types of problems
- To have a thorough knowledge of the Mental Health provision locally and nationally
- To continually review and evaluate the service.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Learning Support Assistant – Personal Specification
Education/Qualifications
Postgraduate Diploma or Masters level in Counselling or Psychotherapy
BACP Accreditation, UKCP registration or BPC
Further therapeutic training or qualification in working with children and young people
Continued supervision from a qualified supervisor.
An understanding of the developmental, emotional, social and educational issues of children and young people
An awareness of the range of needs of people from diverse ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds
Knowledge of local mental health and CAMHS Service
Knowledge of the Children’s Act and legislation pertaining to children
Post qualification experience
Minimum of 1 year’s experience of working with children and young people
Skills and Abilities
Good written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently
Positive communication and listening skills
Patience, tolerance and sensitivity
A mature and non-judgemental outlook
Enthusiasm, energy, and a sense of humour
The successful candidate will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check when appointed to the post. References for shortlisted candidates will be requested prior to the interview day. Further information about the DBS be can found at www.gov.uk
Ada, the National College for Digital Skills recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the College’s commitment to equality and diversity:
- To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity
- To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community;
- To ensure that all employees and prospective employees of the College are treated solely on the
basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy
or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction; - To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation;
- To promote good relations between individuals from different groups.
Ada, the National College for Digital Skills is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to
carry out the duties of the post. If there is anything in this regard that you would like to discuss in relation to your application please contact HR@ada.ac.uk.
Sadly, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role, so can only accept applications from candidates who have the legal right to work and remain in the United Kingdom.
Thank you for your interest in Ada, the National College for Digital Skills.