SEN Support Worker (Autism & PMLD)

Tradewind Recruitment LTD.; Chorley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment LTD are seeking an SEN Support Worker to join an outstanding SEN school in the Chorley area. You will assist teachers and therapists with daily care, learning and development of pupils aged 3-19 with autism/ASC and PMLD, delivering tailored support.

The role involves 1:1 and small group work, personal care, communication support with PECS/Makaton, and safeguarding. Full training provided; Enhanced DBS required; start ASAP on long-term supply.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with SEN, ASC, PMLD or disabilities.
• Enhanced DBS on Update Service or willing to apply for one.
• Compassionate, empathetic, and patient demeanor.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with autism and PMLD during academic and therapy activities.
• Assist with personal care, manual handling, feeding, and medical needs as required (training provided).
• Support communication using PECS, Makaton, and visual timetables for non-verbal students.
• Deliver sensory and therapeutic activities to aid regulation and engagement.
• Uphold safeguarding and pupil welfare per school policies and guidelines.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Resilience

Caring nature

Hands-on approach

Manual handling

Medical administration

Tools

PECS

Makaton

Visual timetables

Job description

SEN Support Worker (Autism & PMLD)

Location

Chorley area, Lancashire (easily accessible via local transport links)

School Type

Special Educational Needs (SEN) School (Supporting pupils with Autism / ASC and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties - PMLD)

Contract Type

Long-Term Supply to Permanent (ASAP Start)

Pay Rate

£95 - £120 per day (Dependent on experience)

Hours

Full-Time, Monday to Friday (School hours)

About the School

We are looking for compassionate and dedicated SEN Support Workers to join an outstanding Special Educational Needs (SEN) school based in the Chorley area. This specialist setting provides a safe, highly tailored, and stimulating learning environment for children and young people aged 3-19 who have a range of complex needs, including Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD). The school prides itself on a holistic, person-centred approach, ensuring every pupil is supported to reach their full potential, develop independence, and experience joy in their learning journey.

The Role

As an SEN Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in assisting teachers and therapists with the daily care, learning, and development of students. Because many pupils have specialised communication needs or physical disabilities, you will help deliver tailored sensory integration, communication therapies, and personal care routines. Your goal is to provide a nurturing, reassuring presence that ensures students feel secure, valued, and empowered throughout their school day.

Key Responsibilities

• 1:1 and Small Group Support: Assist pupils with autism and PMLD during academic, creative, and physical/sensory activities.
• Personal Care & Medical Support: Assist students with personal care routines, manual handling, feeding, and medical needs as required (full training provided).
• Communication & Engagement: Utilize alternative communication methods (such as PECS, Makaton, or visual timetables) to support students with non-verbal or limited communication skills.
• Sensory & Therapeutic Activities: Support the delivery of sensory circuits, hydrotherapy, and specialised therapy sessions designed to aid physical and emotional regulation.
• Safeguarding: Maintain a vigilant approach to safeguarding and pupil welfare in line with school policies and statutory guidelines.

Candidate Requirements

• Experience: Previous experience supporting children or adults with Special Educational Needs, specifically Autism (ASC), PMLD, complex medical needs, or physical disabilities (experience as an SEN Teaching Assistant, Care Worker, or Support Worker is ideal).
• Attributes: High levels of empathy, patience, resilience, and a genuinely caring nature.
• Skills: A practical, hands-on approach with a willingness to learn specialised care techniques (such as manual handling and medical administration).
• Vetting: Must hold a valid Enhanced Child Workforce DBS certificate registered on the Update Service (or be willing to apply for one immediately).