Specialist Support Assistant (SSA) - Key Stage 3 and 4

Emma Charlton; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Death in service

EAP

Pension matching

Meals provided

Training opportunities

Blue Light membership

Discount program

Parking

DBS Update Service paid by charity

Job summary

Talbot House Children’s Charity is hiring Specialist Support Assistants to work with SEN pupils with complex needs in a small-class setting (KS3–KS4). Term-time hours offer flexibility across several options with a total of 39 hours per week (or 33.25 hours in the third option).

The salary is £26,321.82 per year (or £22,441.04 per year, paid for 52 weeks) with a strong benefits package and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience working with SEN pupils with complex needs and related conditions.
• Experience with KS3–KS4 settings and small class sizes.

Skills

SEN pupil experience

SEMH/ASD/ADHD experience

Trauma support

Job description

Specialist Support Assistant (SSA) - Key Stage 3 and 4

Due to an expansion of numbers, Talbot House Children’s Charity are looking to recruit Specialist Support Assistants (SSAs), to work in our school.

The suitable applicants must have experience of working with SEN pupils with complex needs, including SEMH, ASD, ADHD, Trauma and attachment, some of pupils may have multiple needs.

We are a Non-Maintained Specialist School with pupils ranging from Reception to Key Stage 4. Class sizes are rarely bigger than 6 pupils.

Hours of work are, Term Time only, as follows:

Option 1:

Monday to Thursday, 8:00am to 4:00pm and 8:00am to 3:00pm on a Friday.

Option 2:

Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 4:30pm and 8:30am to 3:30pm on a Friday.

Option 1 and 2 is a total of 39 hour per week, including paid lunch periods.

Option 3:

Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 3:15pm and 8:30am to 2:45pm on a Friday (great for those with school drop off and pick up commitments).

Option 3 is a total of 33.25 hours per week, including paid lunch periods.

Salary: £26,321.82 per annum or £22,441.04 per annum (this is the actual salary, you are paid 52 week of the year, it is NOT subject to a pro-rata calculation).

Starting date is as soon as possible, pending your notice period.

Working at the Charity you will:

• receive death in service benefit, equal to 4 x basic salary.
• receive many additional benefits such as employer assist programme (EAP), GP and physio access and more.
• have the option of joining the Charity’s competitive pension scheme, matching contributions up to 6.75%.
• work in a bright and modern environment, with ample parking and grounds.
• be provided with meals while at work.be added to the DBS update service, paid for by the Charity.
• be offered opportunities to undertake training and gain qualifications relevant to the role.
• paid membership to Blue Light and membership to Charity Workers Discount.

Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday, 1 November 2026 (please note: we reserve the right to short list, interview and close this vacancy early, or extend the deadline, depending on the level of response).

Shortlisting: Weekly, upon receipt of applications.

Note: The Charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment (see full policy details on our website). This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants should be aware that the post will only be offered to successful candidates subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances and continued subscription to the DBS Update Service.