SEND Education Support Assistant

2 - 3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality, person-centred support to young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), helping them achieve their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes and maximise their independence, confidence and community participation.

The postholder will work alongside SEND Progression Mentors and wider Adult Social Care teams to deliver tailored educational, social and developmental activities for young people with learning disabilities, autism, sensory impairments and physical disabilities. The role will promote inclusion, wellbeing and positive outcomes through practical, emotional and behavioural support in both centre-based and community settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver person-centred, outcome-focused support to young people with SEND in line with their EHCP objectives.
• Support individuals with learning disabilities, autism, sensory needs and physical disabilities to develop independence and life skills.
• Assist SEND Progression Mentors in delivering educational and developmental programmes.
• Facilitate both group and one-to-one activities designed to improve confidence, inclusion, communication, English and Maths skills.
• Provide practical, emotional and behavioural support using a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approach.
• Encourage participation in activities that promote independence, social inclusion and personal development.
• Support young people to access community resources, local services, social opportunities and digital tools.
• Assist individuals with personal care where required.
• Undertake manual handling duties in accordance with safe working practices and training.
• Identify barriers to participation and develop supportive strategies to maximise engagement.
• Contribute to risk assessments, support plans and outcome reviews.
• Monitor and record progress towards agreed EHCP outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in accordance with service requirements.
• Work collaboratively with families, carers, colleagues and partner agencies to support positive outcomes.
• Promote safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion at all times.
• Attend training, supervision sessions and professional development activities.
• Support service users in both centre-based and community settings as required. Contribute to maintaining a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all service users.

Requirements

Essential

• Experience supporting individuals with SEND, learning disabilities, autism or other complex support needs.
• Experience working with young people or vulnerable adults in educational, social care or community settings.
• Knowledge of person-centred support principles.
• Experience delivering or supporting group and individual activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with service users, families, carers and professionals.
• Understanding of safeguarding principles and professional boundaries.
• Ability to support individuals who may present behaviours of concern.
• Experience maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to work flexibly across community and centre-based environments.
• Willingness to provide personal care and manual handling support where required.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to promoting independence, inclusion and positive outcomes.

Desirable

• Experience supporting young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
• Experience working within Adult Social Care, SEND Services or Educational Support environments.
• Relevant qualification in Health & Social Care, SEND Support, Education or a related field. First Aid, Safeguarding or Manual Handling training.

Additional Information

• Location: Southwark Resource Centre / Mint Street Adventure Playground
• Hours Per Week: 30 Hours
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments