Specialist Support Assistant - SEND

Birmingham Independent College; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

Birmingham Independent College seeks a Specialist Support Assistant to support students aged 14-25 with Autism and complex needs. The role focuses on accessing learning, developing independence, and delivering targeted interventions under the SEND team.

With at least 2 years UK college experience, you will work with teachers and external professionals to monitor progress and adapt teaching for inclusive education. Term-time style, permanent contract.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years UK school/college experience supporting students with additional needs.
• GCSE English and Maths or equivalent (Grade 4/C or above).
• Relevant Level 2 qualification or equivalent experience.
• Specialist training in ASC/SEMH/Speech & Language or behaviour support.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality 1:1, 2:1 and small group support for SEND students.
• Deliver targeted interventions (literacy, numeracy, social skills, emotional regulation).
• Support implementation of EHCP targets and review progress.
• Adapt resources to individual needs and support inclusive practices.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENCO, and external professionals.

Skills

2+ years SEND experience

Strong communication

Record keeping

Behaviour support

Education

GCSE English & Maths (Grade 4/C or above)

Level 2 qualification

Job description

Specialist Support Assistant

Location: Birmingham

Contract: Permanent Term-Time Contract

Days: Monday to Thursday (4 days)

Hours: 08:30 to 15:00

Salary: £13,689.00 to £16,731.00 pa (dependent on experience)

About Birmingham Independent College (BIC)

BIC is an independent specialist college supporting young people aged 14-25 with autism who have multiple disabilities, including learners with complex needs, functional abilities, and high-performing students. Our ethos is clear: students are not defined by their disabilities, but supported to realise their potential.

• for those with more complex needs, we deliver an experiential, independence-focused curriculum that prioritises functionality, life skills, and meaningful engagement with the wider community. This pathway supports our learners in developing greater autonomy, confidence in everyday life and social integration

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Specialist Support Assistant to join our SEND team. This role is ideal for someone who has a minimum of 2 years UK school/college experience supporting students with additional needs and is confident delivering targeted interventions with increasing independence.

You will play a key role in supporting students with complex needs ensuring they can access learning, develop independence, and achieve positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality 2:1, 1:1 and small group support for students with SEND.
• Deliver structured intervention programmes (e.g., literacy, numeracy, social skills, emotional regulation).
• Support the implementation of individual support plans and EHCP targets.
• Monitor, track and evaluate student progress.
• Contribute to the review of EHCP targets and support plans.
• Adapt classroom resources to meet individual needs.
• Support positive behaviour strategies and inclusion across the college.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENCO, and external professionals.
• Proven experience supporting complex needs students.
• Experience delivering targeted interventions independently.
• Understanding of inclusive education and adaptive teaching (differentiation) strategies.
• Strong communication and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to build positive, professional relationships with students and families.
• GCSE English and Maths or equivalent (Grade 4/C or above).
• Relevant Level 2 qualification (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 2 years UK school/college work experience
• Specialist training in areas such as ASC, SEMH, Speech & Language, or behaviour support.
• Experience supporting students with EHCPs.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment.
• Ongoing CPD and specialist training.
• A collaborative and forward-thinking leadership team.

About You

Essential

Desirable

What We Offer

Safeguarding

Birmingham Independent College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, verification of qualifications, employment history, references, right to work in the UK and online searches in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

In line with KCSIE (Keeping children Safe in Education) we will complete online searches as part of our due diligence on all shortlisted candidates. If anything is identified as part of these checks, they will be discussed with you at interview. If any safeguarding concerns are identified, we reserve the right to withdraw your application.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

A copy of the college’s Safeguarding Policy, including Child Protection Policy can be found on our website.

Birmingham Independent College requires all applicants to be eligible to work in the UK with no restrictions as we are unable to offer sponsorship/work visas. You will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK, evidence of your qualifications and suitable references