Autism Practitioner

Outcomes First Group; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & wellbeing benefits

Discounts (UK & international)

Cycle to Work Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support

Job summary

The Tower School in Essex is seeking a compassionate Autism Practitioner to join its specialist team. You will support autistic students 1:1 and in small groups, helping them access learning and develop independence within a nurturing, structured environment.

Working with teachers and a multidisciplinary team, you will promote communication, social development and emotional regulation, adapting resources to individual needs and contributing to personalised support plans.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent.
• Experience supporting children or young people with autism, SEND or behaviours that may challenge.
• Builds positive relationships with empathy, patience and professionalism.
• Remains calm, resilient and solution-focused in challenging situations.
• Proactive, adaptable and committed to helping students overcome barriers to learning.

Responsibilities

• Support students on a 1:1 and small-group basis to access learning and achieve goals.
• Build positive relationships that help students feel safe and understood.
• Deliver autism-informed learning experiences alongside teachers.
• Promote independence, communication, social development and emotional regulation.
• Use positive, consistent approaches to support behaviour and wellbeing.
• Adapt activities and resources to meet individual needs and learning styles.
• Contribute to support plans, reviews and student-centred interventions.
• Collaborate with colleagues and professionals to achieve best outcomes.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Professionalism

Collaboration

Education

GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4) or equivalent

Job description

At The Tower School, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, be understood, and achieve their full potential. We're looking for a compassionate, resilient and enthusiastic Autism Practitioner to join our specialist team. This is much more than a support role. It's an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, unlock potential and help autistic young people develop the skills, confidence and independence they need to succeed both in education and beyond. No two days are the same. One moment you might be helping a student navigate a challenge, the next you're celebrating a breakthrough in communication, learning or self-confidence. Every interaction is an opportunity to make a genuine difference. Working alongside our talented teachers and wider multidisciplinary team, you'll play a key role in creating a safe, structured and nurturing environment where students feel valued, understood and empowered to achieve. If you're passionate about supporting young people and want a rewarding career where you can see the impact of your work every day, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting students on a 1:1 and small-group basis to access learning and achieve their individual goals.
• Building positive, trusting relationships that help students feel safe, understood and confident.
• Working alongside teachers to deliver engaging, autism-informed learning experiences.
• Promoting independence, communication, social development and emotional regulation.
• Using positive, consistent approaches to support behaviour and wellbeing.
• Adapting activities and resources to meet individual needs and learning styles.
• Contributing to support plans, reviews and student-centred interventions.
• Collaborating with colleagues and professionals to achieve the best outcomes for every student.

We're looking for someone who:

• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent required
• Experience supporting children or young people with autism, SEND or behaviours that may challenge.
• Builds positive relationships and communicates with empathy, patience and professionalism.
• Remains calm, resilient and solution-focused in challenging situations.
• Is proactive, adaptable and committed to helping students overcome barriers to learning.
• Works effectively as part of a collaborative team.
• Is passionate about improving outcomes and helping young people flourish.

The Tower School is an independent specialist day school in Epping, Essex, supporting 62 students aged 11-18 with autism and complex needs. We provide a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where students feel secure, valued and ready to learn. Through personalised support, unconditional positive regard and a broad curriculum that combines academic achievement with life skills and personal development, we help every student make meaningful progress from their individual starting points. Guided by our values ofSafe to Learn, Supported to Grow and Successful for Life, we empower young people to develop confidence, independence and the skills they need to thrive in adulthood.

At Outcomes First Schools, we provide specialist education for learners who need a deeper level of understanding, expertise and support than mainstream education can typically offer. We support students with a wide range of complex, co-occurring and neurodivergent needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and communication needs, dyslexia and experiences of trauma or adversity.

We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Pension scheme with options to increase contributions

"Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:

• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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