Teaching Assistant

Job Title: Autism Specialist - Primary SEN School

Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: Competitive, based on experience and qualifications

About Us: Our Primary SEN (Special Educational Needs) School in Bolton is dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students with a range of special educational needs, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We are committed to delivering high-quality, personalized education and support to help every child reach their full potential and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Job Description: We are seeking a passionate and experienced Autism Specialist to join our team. As an Autism Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting the educational, social, and emotional development of our students with autism. You will work collaboratively with our dedicated team of educators and support staff to develop and implement individualized support plans that meet the unique needs and strengths of each student.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Autism Support: Provide specialist support and guidance to students with autism, including those with complex needs and challenges. Develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavior support plans (BSPs) in collaboration with the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and other members of the multidisciplinary team.

2. Curriculum Adaptations: Adapt and differentiate teaching materials and approaches to meet the diverse learning styles and needs of students with autism. Implement evidence-based strategies and interventions to support students' communication, social skills, sensory processing, and emotional regulation.

3. Sensory Integration: Create a sensory-friendly learning environment that supports students' sensory processing needs and promotes engagement, comfort, and self-regulation. Provide sensory breaks, activities, and accommodations to support students in accessing the curriculum and managing sensory challenges.

4. Social Skills Development: Facilitate social skills groups and activities to help students with autism develop and practice social interaction, communication, and friendship skills. Collaborate with teaching staff to embed social skills instruction into the daily routine and curriculum.

5. Family Engagement: Build positive relationships with parents and families, providing support, information, and resources to help them understand and support their child's needs at home. Foster open communication and partnership with families to ensure consistency and continuity of support between home and school.

6. Professional Development: Stay informed about current research, best practices, and developments in the field of autism education and intervention. Participate in professional development opportunities and training to enhance your knowledge and skills in supporting students with autism.

7. Collaborative Working: Work collaboratively with colleagues across the school, including teachers, therapists, and support staff, to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to supporting students' needs. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to review student progress, share insights, and plan interventions.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, or a related field.
• Recognized qualification or certification in autism education or intervention (e.g., TEACCH, ABA, PECS).
• Previous experience working with children or young people with autism in an educational setting, preferably in a primary SEN school or specialist provision.
• Strong understanding of autism spectrum disorder, including its characteristics, strengths, challenges, and evidence-based interventions.
• Knowledge of best practices in autism education, including strategies for communication, social skills, behavior management, and sensory integration.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Empathy, patience, and a compassionate approach to supporting students with autism and their families.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and grow in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in autism education and intervention.
• A supportive and