Work Experience Placement Officer (Specialist in SEND - Autism Focus, with Teaching Experience Preferred) Department: Careers, Employability, Student Progression and Work-Related Learning Reports to: Assistant Head Teacher (Careers, Employability and Attendance) Location: Ripplevale school and college - Specialist SEN College (Autism), with regular travel to employer sites, community partners, and supported placement venues Contract Type: Full-time, permanent Salary: £30,000 - £38,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications - reflecting specialist SEND context Your new school Ripplevale School and College, is a thriving independent special school, for 170 students aged 6 to 25 years old, located in the historic town of Rochester. As part of the Ripplevale family of schools, we provide a holistic, child centred approach to meeting the needs of our students, most of whom have an Education and Health Care Plan. Identified needs may include Autism Spectrum Disorder, dyslexia, speech, language and communication difficulties, DCD, sensory, and high levels of anxiety. Your new role We are seeking a compassionate, experienced, and proactive Work Experience Placement Officer to champion meaningful work experience, supported internships, industry placements, and work-related learning for our students with autism at this specialist SEN college. The role is central to preparing autistic young people for adult life and securing positive onward destinations - including sustained paid employment, supported employment, apprenticeships, vocational training, further/higher education (with appropriate adjustments), independent living programmes, or day services - tailored to individual strengths, interests, sensory needs, communication styles, and EHCP outcomes. The successful candidate will bring teaching experience (ideally in SEND/autism settings), deep understanding of both vocational routes (e.g., supported internships, traineeships, entry-level vocational qualifications, apprenticeships with adjustments) and traditional academic routes (e.g., adapted further education, higher education access with DSA support, or specialist programmes), and preferably prior experience as an Internal Verifier (IV) (or Internal Verified Assessor/IVA status) and/or External Verifier (EV) (or External Verified Assessor/EVA status). This quality assurance background is highly valued for ensuring rigorous, person-centred placement standards, supporting employer training in autism-aware supervision, and contributing to vocational programme excellence. Early Application Encouraged Due to the high volume of interest in this position, we may close the vacancy before the stated deadline. To ensure your application is considered, we strongly recommend applying as soon as possible. Safeguarding recruitment statement Ripplevale School Rochester is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants. Ripplevale School Rochester is required to conduct online searches about you as part of their shortlisting process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk