Learning Support Assistant, Autism-Specific Provision, Secondary

Job Title
Learning Support Assistant, Autism Specialist
School Type
Autism Specific Provision
Age Range of Pupils
11 to 16 years
Location
School‑based – Northfield (B31)
Contract Type
Long-term, Day to day cover, Term-time only

An Autism specialist provision for secondary aged students (11 to 16 years) are 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 require 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) whom 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)

Person Requirements
- 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