Autism Support Worker – Specialist SEN School

Location: Leeds
Pay: £92.56–£95 per day
Hours: 08:30am – 15:30pm, Monday to Friday
Job Type: Full-time, Temp to Perm
Start Date: First or second week of November

About the Role

At Engage Education, we specialise in recruiting dedicated and passionate support staff for schools across Leeds. We are currently looking to appoint a caring, patient and enthusiastic Autism Support Worker to work within a specialist SEN school in Leeds.

The school caters for children and young people aged 4–16 years, all with a range of additional needs. Many pupils have Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), alongside complex learning difficulties, communication needs, sensory processing difficulties, challenging behaviours and medical needs. Some pupils are non-verbal and require additional support with personal care and their daily routines.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting individuals with Autism and wants to make a genuine difference to their development, communication, independence and overall wellbeing.

We are particularly interested in candidates with previous experience working within a specialist SEN school or those from a care, healthcare, residential or support work background who have experience supporting individuals with Autism or additional needs.

The Role

As an Autism Support Worker, you will work closely with teachers and other support staff to provide personalised support to pupils, helping them feel safe, settled and engaged throughout the school day.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing dedicated 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with Autism and additional needs.

• Supporting children with communication difficulties, including those who are non-verbal.

• Helping pupils develop their social interaction, communication and independence skills.

• Supporting sensory regulation and helping pupils manage sensory overload or anxiety.

• Responding to challenging behaviours using positive, consistent and individualised behaviour strategies.

• Supporting pupils to engage in classroom activities, structured learning and play-based activities.

• Assisting with personal care, including toileting, changing and other daily routines where required.

• Supporting pupils with medical needs in line with individual care plans and relevant training.

• Building trusting relationships and providing a calm, structured and nurturing environment.

• Working collaboratively with teachers and other professionals to ensure pupils receive consistent, high-quality support.

Every child has different needs, so the ability to adapt your approach, recognise individual triggers and respond with patience and understanding is essential.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience supporting individuals with Autism, ideally within a specialist school or educational setting.

• Alternatively, experience within care, support work, residential care, healthcare or a similar environment.

• An understanding of Autism and how it can affect communication, social interaction, sensory processing and behaviour.

• Confidence supporting individuals who may display challenging or distressed behaviours.

• Experience supporting non-verbal individuals and those with complex communication needs is desirable.

• Confidence assisting with personal care where required.

• A patient, empathetic, nurturing and resilient approach.

• The ability to remain calm and consistent in challenging situations.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people to develop their confidence and independence.

Candidates with transferable experience from care and support work backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Previous experience in a school is desirable but not essential if you have relevant experience supporting individuals with Autism or additional needs.

What We Offer

• Full-time working hours, Monday to Friday, 08:30am–15:30pm.

• Competitive daily rate of £92.56–£95.

• Temp-to-perm opportunity, with the potential to secure a permanent position directly with the school.

• A welcoming and experienced specialist school team.

• The opportunity to develop your experience within a specialist Autism and SEND setting.

• Dedicated support from your own Engage Education recruitment consultant.

• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and training.

Interested?

If you have experience supporting individuals with Autism and are looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can make a genuine difference, we would love to hear from you!

Whether you have previously worked in an SEN school or come from a care, healthcare or support work background, this is a fantastic opportunity to transfer your skills into a specialist educational setting.

Apply today to find out more about this Autism Support Worker opportunity in Leeds, with an anticipated start date in the first or second week of November.