Autism-Specialist Teaching Assistant Job

Autism-Specialist Teaching Assistant - Secondary SEN School

Location: Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Salary: Competitive daily rate (£95 - £115)
Contract Type: Full-Time, Temporary (with potential to become permanent)
Start Date: September 2025

Your New Company

Hays Education are working in partnership with a large, well-established secondary special school in Rochdale that supports students aged 11-19 with a wide range of additional needs. The school is particularly known for its specialist autism provision, which offers a structured, low-arousal environment tailored to the needs of students with ASC (Autism Spectrum Condition), often alongside complex communication and sensory processing needs. The school is divided into learning pathways to meet the diverse needs of its learners, including those working towards formal qualifications and those following a more sensory or life-skills-based curriculum. Staff work collaboratively with therapists, families, and external agencies to ensure a holistic and person-centred approach to education. The school has a strong reputation for inclusion, innovation, and preparing young people for adulthood.

Your New Job

As an Autism-Specialist Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting students with ASC across Key Stages 3 to 5. You will work closely with class teachers and the SEN team to deliver structured interventions, facilitate communication, and promote emotional regulation and independence. This is a full-time, temporary position with the potential to become permanent for the right candidate. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small group support for students with autism and associated needs.
• Implementing visual timetables, structured routines, and sensory strategies.
• Supporting students with communication, including the use of PECS, Makaton, or AAC devices.
• Assisting with personal care and mobility where required.
• Contributing to the development and review of individual learning plans and behaviour support strategies.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• Experience working with children or young people with autism, ideally in a school or care setting.
• A calm, patient, and empathetic approach to behaviour and communication.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• A willingness to learn and adapt to the needs of individual students.
• Relevant qualifications such as a Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant certificates, or equivalent experience.

What You'll Get in Return

• A rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Access to ongoing CPD and autism-specific training.
• Competitive daily rate and potential for a permanent contract.
• The chance to work in a well-resourced, specialist setting with a strong reputation.

What You Need to Do Now

If you're interested in this role, click 'Apply Now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or contact the Hays Education team directly on . If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position in education, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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