Autism Support Teaching Assistant

Job Title: Autism Support Teaching Assistant
Location: Birmingham
Contract Type: Full-time
Start Date: Novemeber 2024

About Us:

We are a specialist day and residential school for secondary-age students, aged 11 to 19, who have autism and additional disabilities. Our school admits approximately 12 students annually into the main school, with admissions to a resource base for students with autism and severe developmental delay depending on available spaces each year. We offer a highly individualized, structured, and integrated educational and therapeutic program for students on the autism spectrum, incorporating a Total Communication approach.

Our dedicated team of teachers, therapists, and support staff works together to ensure a holistic, child-centered approach is at the core of our practice. The curriculum is lively, thematic, and adapted every three years to reflect the unique needs and interests of our students. Central to our teaching is the “Triad of Impairments,” which shapes our curriculum and communication strategies to provide the best possible support for our students.

Job Overview:

We are looking for a compassionate, experienced Autism Support Teaching Assistant to join our team. This role involves supporting students with complex needs, including non-verbal communication and personal care, to ensure they can fully engage in our dynamic and supportive learning environment. You will work in small class groups with a 1:3 staff-to-student ratio, helping each student achieve their individual goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide direct support to students on the autism spectrum with additional learning and communication challenges.
• Assist non-verbal students using communication tools like PECS, Makaton, and AAC, adapting to their unique needs.
• Support students’ personal care needs, including toileting, feeding, and mobility assistance, with respect and sensitivity.
• Work within a low-arousal, flexible teaching environment, supporting individualized learning plans embedded with Positive Behaviour Support principles.
• Help create a nurturing, structured environment that encourages functional independence and communication skills.
• Collaborate closely with teachers, therapists, and other staff to implement a cohesive, integrated approach to learning and well-being.
• Participate in a wide range of activities, from social communication groups and sensory circuits to outdoor adventures, yoga, and horticulture projects.
• Support students’ transition to adulthood by fostering skills for independent living, community engagement, and vocational experiences.

Essential Requirements:

• Extensive experience working with students who have autism, complex needs, and non-verbal communication challenges.
• Proven skills in assisting with personal care tasks, maintaining students' dignity and comfort.
• Familiarity with autism-specific communication tools (PECS, Makaton, AAC) and sensory processing strategies.
• Empathy, patience, and a commitment to inclusive, positive support.
• [Insert any necessary qualifications, e.g., Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant qualification, Autism-specific training, etc.]

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with Positive Behaviour Support and sensory processing adaptations.
• Knowledge of independent living skills, social communication strategies, and behavior management.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach to working within multidisciplinary teams.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work within a well-resourced, low-arousal environment featuring Forest School areas, a horticulture area, an ancient orchard, nature trails, an outdoor gym, and much more.
• A collaborative, integrated team with extensive professional development opportunities.
• A rewarding role where you can make a lasting impact on the lives of young people with autism and complex needs.

How to Apply:

If this sounds like the next step in your teaching career, please apply.

Join us and make a lasting impact on the lives of young people!

If you’re ready to embark on a fulfilling career where your expertise makes a daily impact, apply now! 

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.