At a Glance
- Tasks: Support learners with Autism to develop independence and achieve their goals.
- Company: Weston College, committed to inclusivity and diversity.
- Benefits: Generous holidays, flexible hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on staff wellbeing and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of learners with Autism.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification in SEND or Autism experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The college is seeking to appoint a motivated and innovative SEND Specialist (Autism) to work with learners with a range of learning barriers associated with Autism; to support them to develop their independence and achieve sustainable outcomes. The role will be crucial to enable the sharing of best practice and to encourage inclusive practice approaches and curriculum adaptations, including modifications to delivery and imaginative ways of teaching. This is a full-time role, working 37 hours per week. Interviews for this role will take place on-site, at one of our college campuses in Weston-super-Mare. As a SEND Specialist, you may be based at any of our Weston-super-Mare campuses.
Day to day duties of the role:
- Working closely and proactively with curriculum and support colleagues to implement timely and proactive needs assessment, identifying learners who require autism support.
- To work with colleagues and oversee their planning and delivery of high-quality support interventions and support programmes, enabling learners to achieve their goals.
- Delivering focused and specific specialist interventions to support a specific caseload of learners with Autism.
- Regularly liaising with Heads of Department and curriculum staff in all areas and on all sites of the College, providing training and advice as well as a dynamic approach to ensure that the support needs of all individuals are met.
- Reviewing individual programmes of support, ensuring all aspects of provision and support specified within a learner's Initial Needs Assessment and/or Education Health Care Plan are delivered.
Required skills and qualifications:
- A professional degree-level qualification related to SEND and/or Autism-specific qualifications.
- Relevant successful experience of supporting learners with SEND and Autism.
- Knowledge and understanding of how SEND and Autism specifically may present barriers to learning and how these may affect the way learners learn.
- Knowledge of current learning strategies, reasonable adjustments and principles of inclusive practice.
Benefits:
- Generous holiday entitlement.
- 2-week Christmas closure.
- Potential for hybrid working opportunities.
- Volunteering Days (Up to two days of paid volunteering leave per academic year).
- Flexible start and finish times outside of core hours, 9.30am - 3.00pm, Monday to Friday (only available during holiday periods for Academic staff).
- Dedicated staff welfare officer and wellbeing champions.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Local and national staff discounts.
- Free parking across sites.
- Various staff committees including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Autism and Menopause.
- Focus on staff wellbeing hub.
- Eye care including free eye test and a contribution towards glasses.
- Annual staff conference with guest speakers.
- Employee assistance programme - available 24/7, 365 days a year.
- Training and development opportunities with a focus on progression.
Weston College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We value equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. As a Disability Confident employer, we will support applicants who require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process.
Please note: this vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received, so we encourage early applications.
SEND Specialist (Autism) employer: Weston College
Weston College is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With generous benefits such as flexible working hours, a strong focus on employee wellbeing, and ample opportunities for professional development, the college prioritises the growth and satisfaction of its employees. Located in the vibrant community of Weston-super-Mare, staff can enjoy a fulfilling career while making a meaningful impact on the lives of learners with Autism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Specialist (Autism)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college and its values! Research their approach to SEND and Autism support. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff or alumni on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the interview process and what the college is really looking for in a SEND Specialist.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some real-life examples of how you've supported learners with Autism. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used and the outcomes achieved. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and innovative thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our inclusive practices.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Specialist (Autism)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for working with learners with Autism! Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to supporting individuals with SEND. This will help us understand why you're the perfect fit for our team.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant experiences!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This helps us easily grasp your qualifications and makes a great first impression!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Weston College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEND and Autism. Understand the specific barriers learners face and be ready to discuss how you can adapt teaching methods to support them. This shows you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully supported learners with Autism. Highlight specific interventions you implemented and the outcomes achieved. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to deliver high-quality support.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with colleagues, be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated in the past. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to team efforts in creating inclusive practices or training others. This will show that you’re a team player who values collaboration.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the college's approach to SEND and Autism support. This could include inquiries about their current strategies or how they measure success. Asking questions not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the college is the right fit for you.
