Sen Teaching Assistant

Job Title: Specialist Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Educator (ASC & SEMH Focus)

Location: Cranborne, Wimborne

Start Date: January / Immediate start options available

Contract Type: Full-Time (Permanent / Long-Term)

Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience and qualifications)

About the College:

We are partnered with a specialist further education college located in Cranborne, offering both day and residential support. The college is dedicated to empowering young people with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and additional Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them develop vital life skills, independence, and vocational pathways.

The Role:

As a Specialist Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with tutors and residential teams to support young adults (aged 16+) within classrooms, residential settings, and community environments. You will play an instrumental role in fostering a safe, structured, and inclusive atmosphere tailored to individual learning plans (EHCPs).

Key Responsibilities:

• Support students on a 1-to-1 and small group basis across academic, vocational, and independent living activities.

• Implement positive behavior support strategies, emotional regulation techniques, and tailored communication approaches (e.g., PECS, Makaton, or visual supports).

• Build strong, professional rapport with learners, acting as a trusted mentor and advocate.

• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams (including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and residential staff) to track and promote student progress.

What We Are Looking For:

• Previous experience supporting young people or adults with ASC, SEMH, or complex learning needs (experience in FE colleges, residential care, or adult support is highly desirable).

• Strong emotional resilience, patience, empathy, and effective communication skills.

• A proactive, person-centered approach focused on promoting independence.

• Relevant qualifications (e.g., Level 3 Teaching Assistant, Health & Social Care, or equivalent) or specialized training (e.g., Team Teach, autism awareness) are an advantage.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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