At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with autism through tailored 1:1 and small group assistance.
- Company: Teaching Personnel, a leader in educational support services.
- Benefits: Earn £23,175 per annum with full pay during school holidays and specialist training.
- Other info: Immediate start available, with long-term career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with autism support and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 23175 - 23175 £ per year.
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Salary: £23,175 per annum (including full pay during school holidays)
Start date: Immediate start available, with further roles from September 2026
Not every support role is the same. This one asks more of you - and gives more back. Teaching Personnel is recruiting autism support assistants for specialist and resourced mainstream schools across Horsham. We have roles available for an immediate start as well as September 2026, and we're looking for professionals who bring genuine life experience, emotional maturity and a grounded, confident approach to some of the most rewarding work in education.
The young people in these schools need consistency above everything else. They need someone who has lived a little, who doesn't rattle easily, and who brings a calm and assured presence into the classroom every single day. If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing:
- Providing dedicated 1:1 and small group support to pupils with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) across a range of needs and year groups.
- Implementing support strategies in line with each pupil's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), ensuring consistency and measurable progress.
- Supporting communication using approaches such as Makaton, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), or other augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods.
- Creating calm, structured and predictable environments that reduce anxiety and help pupils feel safe enough to learn.
- Assisting with sensory regulation, transitions and changes in routine throughout the school day.
- Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team alongside teachers, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists.
- Keeping accurate records of pupil progress and following safeguarding and confidentiality procedures at all times.
Who we're looking for:
- A grounded, mature professional with experience supporting pupils or young people with autism in a school, care, therapeutic or community setting.
- Someone who brings genuine life experience and emotional resilience to the role - this is a position where steadiness and wisdom matter as much as enthusiasm.
- Awareness of autism-specific approaches such as TEACCH, Intensive Interaction or low-arousal strategies.
- A calm, consistent and reliable presence that pupils can trust and depend on every single day.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to adapt your approach to each individual pupil's needs and style.
- Full-time availability, Monday to Friday, term-time.
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one before starting.
What's in it for you:
- £23,175 per annum, with full pay during school holidays.
- Specialist autism and SEN training through Teaching Personnel's CPD programme.
- A dedicated consultant who takes the time to match you with the right school for your skills and experience.
- Immediate start options available, alongside September 2026 placements.
- Long-term and permanent contracts with schools that genuinely invest in their support staff.
Autism Well-being Support Assistant in Horsham employer: Teaching Personnel
Teaching Personnel is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment for Autism Well-being Support Assistants in Horsham, West Sussex. With a commitment to professional development through specialist training and a dedicated consultant to ensure the right school match, employees can expect meaningful growth opportunities while enjoying full pay during school holidays. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and emotional resilience, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people with autism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Autism Well-being Support Assistant in Horsham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Teaching Personnel.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Teaching Personnel!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Teaching Personnel, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Teaching Personnel or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Autism Well-being Support Assistant in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Teaching Personnel:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Teaching Personnel! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
