Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Aspris; Wrexham; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist further education college is seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to support students aged 16-25 with Autistic Spectrum Condition. The role focuses on providing access to meaningful careers and work experience, planning engaging curricula, and supporting students in developing essential skills. An ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience with young people with additional learning needs, strong communication abilities, and a commitment to safeguarding children. Flexible working patterns are available.

Benefits

Exclusive access to reward and discount scheme

Comprehensive induction

Wellbeing support

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience working with young people with ALN, preferred in post-16.
• Proven track record of working with external stakeholders, including employers.
• Experience in conducting risk assessments, desirable.

Responsibilities

• Ensure students have access to meaningful and aspirational pathways.
• Plan and implement a relevant college-wide careers curriculum.
• Provide on-site support during student placements.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Organisational skills

Ability to work with young people with ALN

Education

Higher Level Teaching Assistant Status or equivalent qualification

Job description

Aspris North Wales College are recruiting for a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our education team.

We are looking for versatile, resilient and committed Teaching Assistants, who can adapt their practice wherever necessary to support across all key stages. Full-time or part-time working patterns available as Aspris supports flexible working.

The Role: HLTA - with a focus on Careers and Work Experience.

We are a specialist further education college for learners aged 16-25 with Autistic Spectrum Condition and a range of associated conditions. Aspris College North Wales works in partnership with other Aspris sites to deliver mainstream education with tailored support in education, independence and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

As our Careers and Work Experience HLTA, your main focus will be to ensure our students have access to meaningful and aspirational pathways, preparing them for life after college.

Work Experience & Employer Engagement

• Sourcing and Securing Placements: Proactively identify, recruit, and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of local employers and organisations to secure suitable and high-quality work experience placements for students across various pathways.
• Placement Management: Conduct pre-placement visits, complete risk assessments, and manage all necessary documentation to ensure the safety and success of student placements.
• Support & Monitoring: Provide on-site support to students and employers during placements, monitoring student progress and ensuring a valuable learning experience.

Careers Curriculum Planning & Delivery

• Curriculum Development: Plan, design, and implement an engaging and relevant college-wide careers curriculum that meets statutory guidance (e.g., Gatsby Benchmarks) and is differentiated to meet the diverse learning needs of our students.
• Delivery & Coaching: Deliver careers education sessions as 1:1's and small groups, supporting students in developing essential employability skills, interview techniques, CV writing, and understanding post-college options.
• Assessment & Recording: Maintain accurate records of student progress, career plans, and work experience outcomes.

Teaching & Learning Support (HLTA)

• Act as an outstanding role model, supporting teaching and learning within college sessions as required, demonstrating the skills and expertise of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant.
• Support the class teacher in the management of the classroom environment and resources.

What We Are Looking For

• Hold or are happy to work towards a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Status or equivalent qualification.
• Demonstrable experience working with young people with ALN (specifically post-16 is desirable).
• A proven track record of successfully working with external stakeholders, including employers, to build productive partnerships.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organisational skills.
• A deep commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Desirable Attributes

• Relevant qualification or experience in Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance (CEIAG).
• Knowledge of the Gatsby Benchmarks and their application within a special education setting.
• Experience in conducting risk assessments.

Our Benefits Include

• Exclusive access to reward and discount scheme.
• Comprehensive induction.
• Blue Light Card.
• Commitment to your ongoing training and career progression.
• Paid for enhanced DBS.
• Wellbeing support.
• Cycle to work scheme and more.

Daily Duties Include

• Leading the safety and welfare of students, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for learning and development
• Supporting and enhancing teaching and learning by adapting strategies, resources, and activities to meet the diverse needs of students across the curriculum
• Taking a proactive role in supporting students to engage and re-engage in their learning, using targeted interventions and adjusting approaches as needed to maximise student progress
• Designing and implementing strategies and activities that support students in regulating their emotions, promoting self-control and positive behaviour
• Supporting the holistic development of students, contributing to their emotional, social, and academic growth by using a well-rounded approach to intervention and support
• Taking responsibility for tracking and assessing student progress, particularly in areas where interventions have been implemented, and adjusting approaches as necessary

At Aspris Children’s Services, we are immensely proud of the career pathway and training we can offer you. If you can demonstrate the values needed for a role, transferable skills and life experience, we will give you all the training and support you need to progress.

Prior experience in a Special Educational Needs environment is preferred.

The successful candidate would ideally have previous experience supporting adapted teaching approaches and challenging behaviour.

Above all, we provide a supportive and collaborative working environment where you can flourish in your career and feel incredibly rewarded by helping those who need it most.

Aspris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening appropriate to the post, including checks with Disclosure & Barring Service and at least 2 references which cover the last 3 years; for all our services we will request references from where you have worked with either Children or Vulnerable Adults. Please be advised that references may be requested prior to interview for roles within our Schools.

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