Social Communication Teaching Assistant

Job Description

We are seeking a Social Communication Teaching Assistant to join our team and support children with social communication challenges, helping them engage in mainstream learning to achieve their academic potential.

You will be working within a team that provides individualised support to address pupils' social communication needs. This role focuses on enhancing pupils' readiness to learn and developing their social skills, enabling them to participate more fully in the classroom.

Working hours: 8:30-3:30. Term-time only.

Contract: Initially a 12-month fixed-term contract, with potential for permanency.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborating with staff and external professionals to identify and assess pupils requiring additional support.
• Implementing individualised plans using targeted interventions and differentiated strategies.
• Building positive relationships with pupils and encouraging social communication through engaging activities.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to improve learning readiness.

Qualifications:

• Maths and English Grades A-C or level 4 and above.
• Experience working with children with social communication needs or Autism.
• Strong communication skills and an organised approach to working in a multidisciplinary environment.

What we offer:

• Regular professional development, including specialist training in social communication and Autism.
• A supportive and inclusive team.
• Term-time working with 13 weeks holiday.
• Opportunities for paid overtime leading extra-curricular clubs
• Opportunities for additional responsibilities and specialisation.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and all staff are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Closing date: 25th September 2024 (We reserve the right to interview and fill the role as suitable candidates apply).

Start date: Immediate start, but we can accommodate a reasonable notice period.

Apply now directlyvia Essex Schools Jobs!Tours of the school are welcomed. We are not accepting applications from agencies.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Full Job Description:

The Social Communication Teaching Assistant is responsible for promoting and enhancing pupils' readiness to learn by addressing their social communication needs. As the Social Communication Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with your team lead, wider staff, pupils, and external agencies to implement strategies that support pupils in achieving their academic potential. Your primary focus will be on pupils who require additional support due to social communication challenges that impact access to the mainstream curriculum offer. You will be part of a team of practitioners who receive a high level of training across the first year with an aim to remove barriers to learning for a group of children with social communication difficulties or Autism.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Assess and Identify Needs:

- Collaborate with wider staff, families, and external professionals to identify pupils who require additional support to enhance their ability to access learning.

- Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify social communication needs of pupils, as per training.

- identify patterns or trends related to barriers to learning using an agreed assessment system.

2. Implement Support Strategies:

- Implement individualised support plans that address the specific needs of pupils, focusing on enhancing their ability to access learning.

- Utilise differentiated strategies and accommodations to meet the diverse needs of pupils.

- Collaborate with external agencies and professionals to access specialised interventions or resources for pupils as necessary.

3. Student Engagement and Support:

- Develop positive relationships with pupils, providing individualised support and next steps as needed.

- Promote the development of social communication skills through targeted interventions and activities.

- Facilitate peer support programs, promoting a sense of belonging and participation among pupils.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation:

- Regularly monitor and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of interventions and support strategies, as per training.

- Collect and analyse data to measure the impact of interventions on pupils' learning readiness.

5. Qualifications and Skills:

- Proven experience working with pupils with social communication difficulties or Autism.

- Knowledge, or keen interest of relevant theories and interventions related to enhancing learning readiness for children with social communication and/or Autism.

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to lead, collaborate with staff, families and external agencies.

- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.

The Social Communication Teaching Assistant plays a crucial role in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where pupils feel supported and empowered to succeed academically. By addressing their social communication needs, you will contribute to their overall well-being and academic achievements.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Person Specification: Social Communication Teaching Assistant

Qualifications:

1. Maths and English Grades A-C or level 4 and above.

Experience:

1. Proven experience working with pupils with social communication needs.

2. Experience in designing and implementing individualised support plans and interventions for children.

3. Knowledge of, or keen interest in relevant theories and interventions related to enhancing learning readiness for children with social communication and/or Autism.

Skills:

1. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to lead, collaborate with staff, families, and external agencies.

2. Excellent organisational and time-management skills.

3. Ability to work effectively and empathetically with pupils, building positive relationships and providing individualised support.

Demonstrate a willingness to learn and implement new skills, strategies and initiatives.

Personal Qualities:

1. Empathetic and compassionate towards pupils' learning differences and health challenges.

2. Adaptable and flexible in responding to the diverse needs of pupils and changing circumstances.

3. Proactive and solution-oriented approach to addressing barriers to learning readiness.

4. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

5. Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development in the field of student well-being.