Specialist Support Worker

Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) - Specialist Support Worker

LOCATION

Wandsworth, Lewisham - with the possibility of working in other areas of London

SALARY

£19,995 pro rata (£31,571

FTE) HOURS

Full time, Monday-Friday, 9:00am-3:30pm, term time only

DURATION

1 academic year fixed term, with the possibility of extension

REPORTS TO

EOTAS Coordinator

About the job

What if you could help a young person rediscover their confidence in learning? We're looking for an experienced Specialist Support Worker who understands that, for some autistic children and young people, mainstream education simply hasn't worked - and that the answer isn't to expect them to fit back into the same system. Our

EOTAS team provides something different

highly personalised, flexible support built around the individual young person.

You'll work 1

1 or 2:1 with autistic children and young people with a range of needs, helping them reconnect with learning, develop independence and build confidence in a way that feels safe, meaningful and achievable for them.

This isn't a traditional classroom role.

You'll work across home and community settings, using the young person's interests, strengths and individual needs to create meaningful opportunities for learning and development. This could mean turning a special interest into a learning opportunity, finding a different way to approach something that has previously caused distress, or simply spending time building the trust and relationship that makes learning possible. You'll use trauma-informed and low-demand approaches, adapting your support around the young person rather than expecting the young person to adapt to you.

Who we're looking for

You might currently be working as an SEN Teaching Assistant, Autism Practitioner, Specialist Support Worker, Behaviour Mentor, EOTAS/Alternative Provision Practitioner, or in a similar role. We're looking for someone with solid experience supporting autistic children and young people, ideally including experience working in an SEN/specialist school or other specialist educational setting. You will understand the importance of connection before compliance and be confident adapting your approach to meet the individual needs of each young person. Supporting autistic children and young people with varying needs. Working in an SEN/specialist school or other specialist educational setting. Supporting children who may experience distress or behaviours that challenge. Supporting children with a PDA profile of autism. Trauma-informed and low-demand approaches. EOTAS, alternative provision or another highly personalised educational setting. Working flexibly and creatively when traditional approaches aren't working. Building genuine, respectful relationships with young people. Supporting the development of confidence, independence and life skills. You'll need to be patient, curious, creative and adaptable, with the confidence to work independently while also being part of a small specialist team. Most importantly, you'll understand that progress doesn't always look like sitting at a desk and completing a worksheet.

About Resources for Autism

Resources for Autism (RfA) is a values-driven organisation supporting autistic people and their families across London and the West Midlands. Our mission is to support and enable autistic people to live happy and fulfilling lives, while challenging attitudes towards autism and creating opportunities for autistic people to thrive.

Our values are

Inclusion | Creativity | Compassion | Courageousness | Expertise

We are a neuro-affirming organisation with a strengths- and rights-based approach to supporting autistic and neurodivergent people. We believe in creating environments where people feel understood, respected and supported to be themselves.

Why work with us?

A supportive, warm and values-driven working environment. Ongoing training and development opportunities. Access to wellbeing initiatives and an Employee Assistance Programme. Pension scheme. Opportunities to develop your skills and progress in areas that interest you. 25 days' annual leave pro rata, plus 8 bank holidays and 3 additional Celebration Days. 90% of our staff say that Resources for Autism is "a great place to work".

A few important things to know

This is a term-time-only role working Monday-Friday, 9:00am-3:30pm. Annual leave is paid as part of the salary allowance and therefore cannot be taken during the specified term-time working hours. The successful applicant must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom. This role involves working directly with children and young people and is subject to our safer recruitment procedures and an Enhanced DBS check, including the relevant Barred List checks where applicable. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility at Resources for Autism, and all staff are expected to promote the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of the children and young people we support. We particularly welcome applications from Global Majority candidates, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates. RfA is a Disability Confident employer, and candidates with a disability who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

How to apply

All applicants are required to complete an application form as part of our safer recruitment process. This includes providing your full employment and education history and explaining any gaps in employment. In your personal statement, we'd like you to tell us how your experience and approach meet the requirements of the role, particularly your experience of autism, PDA, trauma-informed practice, low-demand approaches and EOTAS or alternative provision. If completing an application form presents an accessibility challenge, please contact us and we will explore alternative options.