At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic students in their learning and help them thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Specialist school dedicated to empowering young people with Autism Spectrum Condition.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, term-time only, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Casual work for 2 to 5 days a week with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and support students in overcoming challenges and achieving their potential.
- Qualifications: Experience with autistic individuals and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
An Autism specialist provision for secondary aged students (11 to 16 years) is looking for learning support assistants for support with day to day cover for planned and unplanned absence. The work will be on a casual basis for 2 to 5 days per week. The school is based in the Northfield area of West Birmingham and specialises in supporting individuals with a lead diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Individuals attending the school may display behaviour that challenges, use non-verbal methods of communication and/or face sensory processing challenges.
The provision requires staff with high levels of patience and resilience. Considering ‘change’ can often trigger autistic individuals, the consistency of having the same staff in to cover is very important. Subject knowledge is not a key requirement; however, knowledge, skills and experience of supporting autistic young people is essential.
Key Responsibilities:- Working on a 1:1 and small group basis with young people aged 11–16 years with lead diagnosis of Autism (ASC) who may display behaviour that challenges, use non-verbal methods of communication and/or face sensory processing challenges.
- Support pupils to engage with learning activities using approaches tailored to their individual needs.
- Lone-working within the classroom and other areas of the school, following the child or group’s timetable.
- Following the school’s behaviour management policy and individual’s behaviour plans and Individual Education Plans (IEP).
- Experience of working with young people with a lead diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
- Experience of supporting individuals with non-verbal communication and sensory processing needs as well as displaying behaviour that challenges.
- Flexible and adaptable to the needs and requirements of autistic individuals.
- Flexible and adaptable to the needs and requirements of an Autism-specific provision.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Highly motivated when lone-working and working as a team.
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or we can put one in place for you).
- Two satisfactory references covering a minimum of 12 months.
Learning Support Assistant, Autism-Specific Provision, Secondary in Northfield employer: New Directions
Join our dedicated team at an Autism-specific provision in Northfield, where we prioritise a supportive and inclusive work culture. We offer flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with Autism Spectrum Condition. Our commitment to staff wellbeing and resilience ensures that you will thrive in a nurturing environment while helping students engage with their learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant, Autism-Specific Provision, Secondary in Northfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with autistic individuals. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events or workshops related to autism support. This not only boosts your knowledge but also helps you meet potential employers and showcase your passion for working with young people with ASC.
✨Tip Number 3
When you land an interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported autistic individuals in the past. Highlight your patience and adaptability, as these are key traits for the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to check our website regularly for new job postings! We often have casual roles available that fit perfectly with your skills and experience, so keep an eye out and apply directly through us.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant, Autism-Specific Provision, Secondary in Northfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting autistic young people shine through. Share any personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Learning Support Assistant in an autism-specific provision. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your understanding of ASC and communication methods.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Directions
✨Know Your Stuff About Autism
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) before the interview. Understand the challenges autistic individuals face, especially in a school setting. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared to support the students effectively.
✨Showcase Your Patience and Resilience
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated patience and resilience in challenging situations. The role requires these qualities, so highlighting your experiences will help you stand out as a suitable candidate.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since you'll be working with young people who may use non-verbal communication, it's essential to demonstrate strong verbal communication skills during your interview. Practice explaining your thoughts clearly and confidently, as this will reflect your ability to engage with students effectively.
✨Be Flexible and Adaptable
The job requires flexibility in adapting to the needs of autistic individuals. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully adapted your approach in previous roles or situations. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the dynamic environment of an autism-specific provision.
