Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Prospectsonline; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 27,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing professional development

Supportive leadership

Inclusive school community

Job summary

Northern Star Academies Trust is seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to support pupils with behavioural, emotional and social needs within a pastoral and behaviour support team.

The role involves leading targeted interventions, mentoring pupils and working with families, teachers and external partners to promote inclusion and high standards of behaviour.

Qualifications

• HLTA status or equivalent experience.
• Proven track record with challenging behaviour.
• Calm, resilient, solution‑focused under pressure.
• Excellent communication and safeguarding knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead targeted interventions to improve behaviour, attendance and engagement.
• Mentor and provide pastoral guidance to pupils.
• Collaborate with teachers, leaders, parents and external agencies.
• Support behaviour systems and school expectations.
• Deliver learning activities and cover lessons when needed.
• Help create a safe, inclusive school culture.

Skills

Behaviour management

Pastoral care

Communication

Resilience

Education

HLTA status

Job description

Part Time, Permanent

Hours of Work: 32.5 hours per week, term time only plus 2 days

Are you passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential? Do you have the skills, resilience and compassion to support pupils with behavioural, emotional and social needs?

Vacancy Information

We are seeking an exceptional Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to play a pivotal role in our pastoral and behaviour support team. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and experienced practitioner who is committed to improving outcomes for children and creating a positive, inclusive school environment.

The Role

As a HLTA you will:

• Lead targeted interventions to improve behaviour, attendance and engagement.
• Build positive relationships with pupils who need additional support.
• Provide mentoring and pastoral guidance to help pupils overcome personal and academic challenges.
• Work closely with teachers, leaders, parents and external agencies to support individual pupils.
• Support the school's behaviour systems and contribute to maintaining high expectations across the school.
• Deliver learning activities and cover lessons where appropriate.
• Help create a culture where every child feels safe, valued and able to succeed.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Has HLTA status or equivalent relevant experience.
• Has a proven track record of working with children who present challenging behaviour.
• Is calm, resilient and solution-focused under pressure.
• Can build trust quickly and establish positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understands safeguarding, inclusion and trauma-informed approaches.
• Believes that every child can succeed with the right support.

We Can Offer:

• A rewarding role where you will make a tangible difference every day.
• A supportive and dedicated leadership team.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• A welcoming school community committed to inclusion and excellence.
• The opportunity to work with motivated colleagues who share a passion for supporting young people.

Safeguarding

Northern Star Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post requires an enhanced DBS check. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026, an online search will be carried out as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates.