Job Coach/ Teaching Assistant

Main Purpose: To provide integrated classroom and employment support to learners on The Autism Project (TAP), enabling them to develop independence, employability skills, and readiness for adulthood. The role combines in-class learning support with job coaching responsibilities, including work placements, employer liaison, and learner progression tracking.

You will work with: TAP staff and senior management team, Employer Engagement Officer, other CareTrade staff, local authorities, and other external partners, as well as learners and parents/carers.

Your place and hours of work: Main office at Larcom Street, SE17 1RT plus regular travel throughout London. Hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm (allowing an hour for lunch). 37.5 hrs. a week. Candidates must be willing to be a little flexible to facilitate learner-parent meetings and occasional presentations in the early evening. Time may be taken in lieu for unsocial hours worked, where necessary.

• Learner Support (Classroom & Curriculum)
  • Support learners to access the curriculum in Functional Skills, PSD, social skills, and employability sessions as independently as possible.
  • Work alongside tutors to deliver sessions, adapt teaching materials, and provide differentiated support.
  • Promote learner development in communication, behaviour, independence, and emotional regulation.
  • Support positive behaviour strategies and help learners develop coping mechanisms.
  • Contribute to creating resources and teaching aids to meet learner needs.
• Job Coaching & Employability Support
  • Support learners in work placements, helping them develop workplace skills and confidence.
  • Liaise with employers to ensure appropriate support and implement reasonable adjustments.
  • Assist learners in understanding workplace expectations, routines, and professional behaviours.
  • Support employability sessions, careers guidance activity, and transition planning.
  • Contribute to travel training, independence skills, and community engagement.
• Assessment, Progress & Documentation
  • Support assessment of learner starting points and ongoing progress.
  • Maintain accurate records, including progress notes, targets, and evidence of outcomes.
  • Contribute to EHCP reviews, Individual Education Plans, risk assessments, and support plans.
• Multi-Agency & Team Working
  • Work collaboratively with tutors, job coaches, families, and external partners.
  • Communicate effectively with parents/carers, employers, and professionals.
  • Contribute to a consistent, person-centred approach across all areas of learner support.
  • Support enrichment activities such as trips, social events, and insight days.
• Safeguarding, Wellbeing & Professional Practice
  • Safeguard learners and promote their wellbeing at all times.
  • Follow all policies including safeguarding, behaviour, health & safety, and equality.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professional standards.
  • Participate in training, supervision, and continuous professional development.

CareTrade is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment. All roles are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check (with barred list where applicable), references, verification of identity and qualifications, and proportionate online checks of publicly available information as part of the shortlisting process.