Behaviour specialist/ALN Teaching Assistant

Are you calm under pressure, confident managing challenging behaviour and passionate about helping young people re-engage with education? Aspire People are recruiting a Behaviour Specialist Teaching Assistant to work within a dedicated behaviour unit in a secondary school in Rhondda Cynon Taf. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives on building positive relationships with young people and can provide the firm, consistent and supportive approach pupils need to succeed.

The Role

• You will work closely with pupils who may display challenging behaviour, SEMH needs, emotional regulation difficulties or barriers to learning, supporting them both academically and pastorally.
• Your responsibilities will include:
• Providing 1:1 and small-group support within the behaviour unit
• Building positive, trusted relationships with pupils who can be difficult to engage
• Using effective behaviour management, de-escalation and emotional regulation strategies
• Supporting pupils to manage their behaviour and make positive choices
• Helping learners re-engage with their education and classroom expectations
• Supporting academic work and adapting your approach to individual needs
• Following individual behaviour plans and school policies consistently
• Working closely with teaching, pastoral and ALN staff
• Helping to create a calm, structured and positive environment

What We're Looking For

• We would particularly like to hear from candidates with experience in behaviour units, PRUs, SEMH/ALN provisions, youth work, mentoring, support work or secondary schools.
• You will ideally have:
• Experience supporting young people with challenging or complex behaviour
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills
• Confidence working with secondary-aged pupils
• A calm, resilient and consistent approach
• The ability to establish clear boundaries while maintaining positive relationships
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• A genuine passion for helping young people overcome barriers to education

Education Workforce Council (EWC) registration, or willingness to obtain it, will be required, in line with Aspire People's usual Cardiff requirements.

Why Work with Aspire People?

• Competitive pay of £16.11 - £18.11 per hour
• Long-term opportunity within a Rhondda Cynon Taf secondary school
• Holiday pay that you can take at any point throughout the year
• Access to free CPD e-learning courses with certification, including safeguarding and behaviour management training
• Support from a dedicated education consultant throughout your placement
• Referral bonus of up to £250, with £100 available for successful Teaching Assistant referrals once they have worked 20 days.

If you have the resilience, confidence and personality to make a difference to pupils who need consistency, encouragement and someone who refuses to give up on them, we want to hear from you. Apply today for this Behaviour Specialist Teaching Assistant opportunity in Rhondda Cynon Taf.