Specialist Support Worker

Castle Education; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Castle Education is recruiting a Specialist Support Worker to join partner specialist schools in Harrogate to support children and young people with additional needs. You will work as part of a team to help pupils feel safe, develop independence and access learning in a way that suits them.

Experience with autism, learning disabilities, complex needs or communication difficulties is beneficial. The role requires patience, reliability and teamwork, with safeguarding at the core of daily duties.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children and young people with additional needs is desirable.
• Ability to follow safeguarding procedures and individual support plans.
• Patient, compassionate and reliable team player with good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils with autism, learning disabilities, or complex needs.
• Support communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction.
• Assist pupils with participation in classroom activities and daily routines.
• Promote independence and practical life skills development.
• Follow individual support plans and safeguarding procedures.
• Build trusting relationships to help pupils feel safe and understood.
• Collaborate with teachers and other staff to ensure consistent support.

Skills

Patience

Compassion

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

Job Title: Specialist Support Worker
Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Job Type: Long-term, ongoing
Working Pattern: Full-time opportunities available
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Are you a Support Worker looking for a new opportunity where you can use your skills and experience to make a genuine difference to children and young people's lives?
Castle Education is working in partnership with 3 specialist schools in the Harrogate area to recruit compassionate and dedicated Specialist Support Workers for long-term, ongoing opportunities.
This role could be ideal for someone currently working in care, residential support, healthcare or a specialist support setting who would like to bring their experience into education.
You will have the opportunity to support children and young people with additional needs in a school environment, helping them feel safe, develop their independence and access learning in a way that works for them.

A little bit about the schools

Our partner schools support children and young people with a range of additional needs, including autism, severe and profound learning difficulties, physical disabilities, communication difficulties and complex needs. The schools provide personalised support in a nurturing environment, with a strong focus on wellbeing, communication, independence and helping every pupil achieve their potential.

What will the role involve?

• Providing tailored support to children and young people with additional needs.
• Supporting pupils with communication, emotional regulation and social interaction.
• Helping pupils participate in classroom activities and wider school life.
• Encouraging independence and the development of practical life skills.
• Supporting pupils with personal care, mobility and daily routines where required.
• Following individual support plans and safeguarding procedures.
• Building trusting relationships with pupils and helping them feel safe and understood.
• Working closely with teachers, Teaching Assistants and other professionals to provide consistent support.

Experience supporting people with autism, learning disabilities, complex needs or communication difficulties would be particularly beneficial.
We are looking for someone who is patient, compassionate, reliable and confident adapting to individual needs. You should enjoy working as part of a team and understand the importance of treating every pupil with dignity, respect and kindness.

Why apply through Castle Education?

• Long-term, ongoing work in a specialist school.
• The opportunity to transfer your existing support or care experience into education.
• Opportunities to develop your experience working with children and young people with SEND.
• Ongoing support from our friendly Castle Education team.
• The opportunity to do meaningful work and make a lasting difference.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, along with other relevant pre-employment checks. Shortlisted candidates may also be subject to an online search.