Location: Kidderminster
Salary: Competitive and based on experience
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Are you a patient, resilient, and dedicated individual with a passion for supporting young people with autism? Do you want to empower adolescents to navigate their education, develop crucial life skills, and prepare for a successful future?
We are a specialist independent school dedicated to providing a high-quality, personalised education for secondary-aged students with a range of special educational needs, with a significant focus on supporting those with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Our school is a vibrant and supportive community where we equip our young people with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their academic life and beyond.
We are seeking to appoint a compassionate and experienced Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated Secondary Team. In this rewarding role, you will be key to helping our students overcome barriers to learning, build independence, and achieve their full potential. Your understanding of the challenges faced by adolescents with autism will be crucial in creating a supportive and aspirational learning environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the educational and personal development of students with autism and other special educational needs within a secondary curriculum framework.
- Work collaboratively with subject teachers to adapt learning materials and support student engagement in a range of academic and vocational subjects.
- Mentor and support students on a one-to-one or small group basis, fostering their self-esteem, social skills, and emotional resilience.
- Implement effective strategies to support students with emotional regulation and anxiety, promoting positive behaviour and a calm learning environment.
- Assist in the delivery of life skills and independence programmes, preparing students for adulthood and post-16 pathways.
- Help students access and work towards accreditations and qualifications (e.g., Functional Skills, GCSEs) appropriate to their learning journey.
- Build positive and professional relationships with students, acting as a trusted role model.
- Work collaboratively with our multidisciplinary team of therapists, teachers, and other professionals to ensure a holistic approach to each student's development.
- Contribute to tracking student progress, writing reports, and participating in review meetings.
The successful candidate will have:
- Proven experience of working with adolescents or young people with Autism Spectrum Condition is essential.
- A genuine passion for supporting young people with special educational needs.
- The ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with teenagers.
- A calm, resilient, and patient demeanour, with the ability to de-escalate challenging situations.
- Experience supporting learning within a secondary school environment is highly desirable.
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
- Relevant qualifications (e.g., Level 2 or 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning) are beneficial, but significant relevant experience is paramount.
What we can offer you:
- The opportunity to work in a forward-thinking and supportive school with a strong sense of community.
- A commitment to your professional development with ongoing training opportunities.
- A rewarding role where you can make a significant and positive impact on the lives of young people.
- A competitive salary and benefits package.
If you are an enthusiastic and committed individual with the experience and passion to support our secondary students with autism, we would love to hear from you.
If you are interested in this opportunity and would like to hear more, please apply now and someone will get straight back to you, or call Paul Hirchfield on 01293 527416
...
