Complex Autism Teaching Assistant
£92.56 - £95 SEND Full time
Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant, Autism Support Worker or Support Worker with a passion for supporting children and young people with complex autism and additional needs?
Engage Education is currently recruiting for a Complex Autism Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEND school in Bradford (BD5), supporting pupils aged 11–19. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference by helping young people develop their communication, independence, social interaction and everyday life skills.
About the Pupils
The school supports children and young people with a range of complex needs, including:
- Autism, including complex autism
- Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD)
- Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)
- Complex communication needs
- Learning disabilities
- ADHD
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Physical disabilities
- Social, emotional and behavioural needs
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience supporting autistic pupils who may be non-verbal, use alternative communication methods or require structured routines, sensory support and individualised approaches to learning.
Key Responsibilities
As a Complex Autism Teaching Assistant, you will:
- Provide tailored 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with complex autism and additional needs.
- Support pupils to access classroom learning, activities and wider school experiences.
- Adapt communication approaches to meet individual needs, including supporting non-verbal pupils.
- Promote emotional regulation and use positive behaviour support strategies.
- Help pupils develop communication, social interaction and independence skills.
- Support sensory needs, individual routines and transitions throughout the school day.
- Assist with personal care where required.
- Follow individual education plans, risk assessments and pupil support plans.
- Create a safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environment.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and the wider SEND team.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate will be patient, compassionate and proactive, with a genuine commitment to helping children and young people with complex needs thrive.
You should be confident adapting your approach to meet individual communication, sensory, emotional and learning needs.
Experience in one or more of the following roles would be beneficial:
- Complex Autism Teaching Assistant
- SEND Teaching Assistant
- Autism Support Worker
- Learning Support Assistant
- Residential Support Worker
- Care Worker
- Healthcare Assistant
- Specialist Support Worker
Experience within a specialist SEND school, residential setting, care environment or similar provision would be advantageous.
Key Skills and Experience
- Supporting autistic children and young people
- 1:1 and small-group support
- Communication support, including non-verbal communication
- Emotional regulation and positive behaviour support
- Sensory support and structured routines
- Supporting SLD, PMLD and complex learning needs
- Personal care, where required
Why Join Engage Education?
At Engage Education, we are committed to supporting education professionals in finding rewarding opportunities where they can make a difference.
This role offers the opportunity to work within a specialist setting, supporting pupils to feel safe, understood and valued while developing essential life skills and greater independence.
If you are passionate about supporting young people with complex autism and additional needs, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today to take the next step in your career as a Complex Autism Teaching Assistant!
