Autism Support Assistant

Connex Education; West of England; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 20,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly PAYE pay

Free SEND Toolkit and CPD training

Funded formal qualifications

Career progression opportunities

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Connex Education Partnership is seeking Autism Support Assistants to work across specialist SEND schools and provisions in Bristol and surrounding areas. You’ll support children and young people with ASC to communicate, regulate, engage and develop greater independence within a specialist learning environment.

This role could suit Teaching Assistants, LSAs, Youth Workers and other professionals with relevant experience. Flexible supply commitments available across short and long-term placements.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting autistic children or young people is desirable.
• Previous SEND, Teaching Assistant, care or support experience.
• Understanding of autism and individual differences.
• Patient and adaptable approach.
• Good communication and observation skills.
• Ability to remain calm and consistent.
• Genuine interest in helping pupils reach their potential.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support
• Develop positive and trusting relationships
• Support communication and social interaction
• Help pupils manage sensory and emotional needs
• Use visual, structured and personalised approaches
• Support pupils through transitions and changes
• Encourage independence and participation
• Recognise individual triggers and support strategies
• Follow personalised learning and support plans
• Work alongside teachers and specialist SEND staff

Skills

Autism awareness

SEND experience

Communication skills

Observation skills

Patience

Calm under pressure

Job description

Autism Support Assistant

Location: Bristol
Pay: £95-£110 per day PAYE
Job Type: Flexible Supply, Temporary, Long-Term & Temp-to-Perm Opportunities
Start Date: Flexible Supply

Connex Education Partnership is looking for Autism Support Assistants to work across specialist SEND schools and provisions in Bristol and the surrounding areas.

You’ll support children and young people with ASC (Autism Spectrum Conditions) and associated needs to communicate, regulate, engage and develop greater independence within a specialist learning environment.

This role could suit Teaching Assistants, LSAs, Youth Workers and other professionals with relevant experience.

The Pupils

You may support pupils with Autism (ASC), Sensory processing differences (SPD), communication difficulties, anxiety, SEMH, ADHD, emotional regulation needs, Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and complex needs.

Some pupils may find communication, social interaction, changes in routine, sensory input or unfamiliar situations particularly challenging and require an individualised approach.

Your Role

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support
• Develop positive and trusting relationships
• Support communication and social interaction
• Help pupils manage sensory and emotional needs
• Use visual, structured and personalised approaches
• Support pupils through transitions and changes
• Encourage independence and participation
• Recognise individual triggers and support strategies
• Follow personalised learning and support plans
• Work alongside teachers and specialist SEND staff

What We’re Looking For

• Experience supporting autistic children or young people is desirable
• Previous SEND, Teaching Assistant, care or support experience
• Understanding of autism and individual differences
• Patient and adaptable approach
• Good communication and observation skills li>Ability to remain calm and consistent
• Genuine interest in supporting pupils to achieve their potential

Relevant autism-specific training, PECS, Makaton, sensory integration or positive behaviour training would be advantageous.

Why Connex?

• Competitive daily rates that match your experience
• Flexible supply work around your availability
• Day-to-day, temporary and long-term placements
• Temp-to-perm opportunities
• Weekly PAYE pay - no umbrella companies
• Free SEND Toolkit and CPD training
• Funded formal qualifications
• Career progression opportunities
• Wellbeing support and refresher training
• Dedicated specialist SEND consultant
• Ongoing support throughout your placements

Connex Education Partnership is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.

Connex Education Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and candidates to share this commitment. We adhere to Safer Recruitment practices in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, and other relevant legislation. All appointments are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check.