Autism Specialist

About the Role:

justteachers are currently seeking a dedicated SEND Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join a specialist SEND school in Lincoln that supports children and young people with a range of additional needs, with Autism being the primary need across the setting. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of pupils by helping them access education in a way that meets their individual strengths, challenges, and learning styles.

The school provides a highly nurturing, structured, and supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to develop not only academically, but also socially, emotionally, and independently. Staff work collaboratively to create personalised learning experiences, adapting lessons and routines to ensure every child can achieve success and build confidence. The setting places a strong emphasis on communication, emotional regulation, relationship-building, and preparing pupils with the skills they need for everyday life.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tailored classroom support to pupils with Autism and other additional needs, helping them access learning activities in a way that is meaningful and engaging.
• Support the delivery of differentiated lessons by breaking down instructions, adapting resources, and reinforcing key learning objectives to promote understanding and participation.
• Use autism-friendly strategies including visual timetables, now-and-next boards, social stories, sensory supports, structured routines, and clear communication techniques.
• Encourage the development of communication skills, emotional regulation, social interaction, independence, and self-confidence across both classroom and wider school environments.
• Support pupils during periods of dysregulation by implementing agreed behaviour support strategies and helping them return to learning in a calm and positive manner.
• Work on a one-to-one basis or within small groups, delivering targeted interventions and supporting individual education outcomes.
• Assist with classroom preparation, organisation of learning resources, and maintaining a safe, engaging, and structured learning environment.
• Support pupils with personal care needs where required, always maintaining dignity, respect, and safeguarding practices.

Pre Requisites:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people within SEND, education, care, youth work, residential, coaching, childcare, or similar support-based environments.
• Understanding of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and an appreciation of the diverse ways autism can present in children and young people.
• Experience supporting individuals with communication difficulties, sensory needs, emotional regulation challenges, or social interaction differences is highly desirable.
• Ability to build rapport quickly and establish positive, professional relationships with pupils who may require additional consistency and reassurance.
• Confidence supporting learning activities, implementing behaviour support strategies, and adapting your approach to meet individual needs.
• Knowledge of interventions and support techniques such as visual supports, PECS, Makaton, Zones of Regulation, Attention Autism, or sensory-based approaches would be advantageous.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organisational skills with the ability to work effectively alongside teaching and support staff.
• Relevant qualifications such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, Childcare qualification, Health & Social Care, Youth Work qualification, or equivalent transferable experience.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: £98.00-£115.00 per day

Benefits:

• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Referral programme

Work Location: In person