Autism Specialist
| Job title: | Autism Specialist |
| Contract type: | Temporary |
| Location: | West Midlands |
| Industry: | SEN |
| Salary: | £83.33 - £100 per day |
| Reference: | 0000292328_1738757693 |
| Contact name: | Aspire People Limited |
| Contact email: | Selena@aspirepeople.co.uk |
Job description
Experienced SEN Teaching Assistant for Autism Support in Primary EducationAre you an experienced and passionate SEN (Special Educational Needs) Teaching Assistant with a deep understanding of autism in children?
Are you ready to make a profound difference in the lives of primary-aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join a supportive and dynamic team at our well-established school, which specialises in the education of children with diverse learning needs.
Position: SEN Teaching Assistant Autism Support
Location: Wednesbury
Contract Type: 5 days per week
Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification Preferred
Start Date: DBS dependant
About the Role:
As a SEN Teaching Assistant within our primary setting, you will play a key role in providing high-quality support to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Your responsibilities will involve working closely with individual students, small groups, and collaborating with teachers and other professionals to ensure each child's needs are met in a nurturing, inclusive environment.
Key Responsibilities:
* Supporting Autistic Children: Provide tailored 1:1 support to children with ASD, adapting learning activities to suit their individual needs and abilities. You will create a calm, structured environment that encourages learning and independence, fostering their social and emotional development.
* Behavioural Support: Assist in managing behaviour in a positive and proactive manner. You will help students develop coping strategies, improve self-regulation, and enhance their communication skills. Experience with non-verbal communication, PECS, and other communication aids is highly desirable.
* Curriculum Support: Assist the class teacher in delivering lessons that are differentiated for children with ASD, ensuring accessibility and engagement. You will help students access the curriculum through adapted resources, visual aids, and sensory support where necessary.
* Personal Care and Wellbeing: Provide support in meeting the personal care needs of the children as required, ensuring they feel safe, comfortable, and confident in their learning environment.
* Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with the school's SENCO, class teachers, speech and language therapists, and other professionals involved in the child's development. You will help to implement and monitor individual education plans (IEPs), contributing to regular reviews and updates.
* Monitoring Progress: Support the assessment and tracking of student progress, recording observations of achievements, behaviour, and developmental milestones. Use data to inform the development of strategies that support the child's progress and wellbeing.
About You:
To succeed in this role, you should be an empathetic, patient, and highly motivated individual who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with autism. You will be able to demonstrate significant experience in supporting children with autism in a primary school or SEN school setting.
Key Requirements:
* Experience: Proven experience working with primary-aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in either a mainstream school, SEN school, or specialist provision. Previous experience as a SEN Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant is essential.
* Qualifications: A Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent) is required. A specific qualification in autism (such as an Autism Awareness qualification or similar) is also an advantage.
* Specialist Knowledge: Strong understanding of autism and its impact on learning, social development, and behaviour. You should be comfortable implementing individualized strategies and support plans, including behaviour management techniques, visual communication systems, and sensory regulation strategies.
* Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children, staff, and parents. Knowledge of augmentative and alternative communication methods (e.g., PECS, Makaton) would be an advantage.
* Team Player: Ability to work as part of a team, collaborating with other staff members, including the SENCO, teachers, and external professionals. Flexibility and a positive attitude toward adapting approaches to suit different children's needs are essential.
* Patience and Resilience: A calm, patient, and empathetic approach to supporting children with complex needs. You should be able to remain positive and provide consistent support in challenging situations.
* Commitment to Safeguarding: A strong understanding of safeguarding principles and a commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students.
Desirable Skills and Experience:
* Experience with specific interventions or strategies for children with autism (e.g., TEACCH, ABA, Sensory Integration Therapy).
* Familiarity with using assistive technology or other communication aids.
* Experience in managing challenging behaviour with positive behavior support strategies.
What We Offer:
* Professional Development: Ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and qualifications, including autism-specific training and CPD workshops.
* Supportive Environment: A welcoming and collaborative school culture where your contributions are valued. You will be working within a team of experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing the best outcomes for children with special educational needs.
* Job Satisfaction: The chance to make a real difference in the lives of children with autism, helping them to reach their full potential in a caring and inclusive school setting.
* Competitive Salary: A salary that reflects your skills, experience, and dedication, along with other staff benefits.
How to Apply:
If you are passionate about supporting children with autism and would like to join our dedicated team, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your CV along with a cover letter outlining your experience and why you are suited to this role.
Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.
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