Communications Support Worker - Enhanced Resource Base (Autism)

Witchford Village College; Ely; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Witchford Village College is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support students, including those with Autism and SLCN. The role emphasizes calm communication, use of visual supports and AAC, and adapting methods to promote independence.

You will work with teachers, therapists, families and external professionals to deliver consistent, person-centred support and help students progress socially, emotionally and academically.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting students with Autism and SLCN.
• Ability to use visual supports and structured teaching approaches.
• Good literacy, numeracy and ICT skills.
• Commitment to improving outcomes for autistic students.

Responsibilities

• Provide calm, empathetic support and understand behaviour as communication.
• Support students with Autism using visual supports and AAC strategies.
• Adapt communication to individual needs and promote independence.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, families and external professionals.

Skills

Calm communication

Autism support

AAC strategies

Adapt communication

Team collaboration

ICT skills

Education

Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent)

Job description

The successful candidate will:

• Have a calm, patient and empathetic approach and understand that all behaviour is communication.

• Be skilled in supporting students with Autism including those who may experience sensory processing differences, anxiety, demand avoidance, or communication barriers.

• Have experience of using visual supports, structured teaching approaches (e.g. TEACCH), social stories, communication boards, and other augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)strategies.

• Be able to adapt communication styles to meet individual student needs and promote functional communication,self-advocacy and independence.

• Support students to make progress socially,emotionally and academically,with a strong commitment to promoting successful inclusion in mainstream education where appropriate.

• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists,families and external professionals to deliver consistent, person-centred support.

Essential qualifications and experience

• Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent).

• Experience of working with children or young people with Autism and/orSpeech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).

• Good literacy,numeracy and ICT skills.

The successful candidate will be committed to improving outcomes for students with autism by enabling them to communicate effectively, build positive relationships, developindependenceand achieve their full potential. The ability to share knowledge and effective practice through training and CPD opportunities for colleagues would be an advantage.

Desirable qualifications and training

• Level 2 or Level 3 Award in Understanding Autism (or equivalent).

• Autism Education Trust (AET) training, including Making Sense of Autism or Good Autism Practice.

• Training in Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).

• Experience using communication books or electronic communication devices.

• Training in sensory processing and supporting sensory regulation.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated SEND team and make a genuine difference to the lives of young people with autism.