Autism Support Worker – Empowering Young Minds with Structure and Compassion
About the Role
As an Autism Support Worker, you will be instrumental in providing structured, compassionate support that empowers students with autism to access education and thrive emotionally. Each day brings new opportunities to adapt, connect, and make a meaningful difference.
Key Responsibilities
In your role as an Autism Support Worker, you will:
* Support pupils in the classroom and during social activities, adapting your approach to individual needs
* Assist with implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and effective behaviour management strategies
* Provide calming emotional support to help students build confidence and independence
* Employ communication systems such as PECS or Makaton
* Encourage the development of social skills and help manage challenging behaviours in a structured environment
* Collaborate closely with the wider SEND team to monitor progress and adjust support plans as needed
Who You Are
You would excel as an Autism Support Worker if you have:
* Experience supporting children with autism or other special educational needs (SEN)
* Patience, empathy, flexibility, and a calming presence
* A relevant qualification (Teaching Assistant, Health and Social Care, Childcare, etc.) depending on setting requirements
* A willingness to engage with and learn communication tools like PECS and Makaton (support provided)
* A collaborative spirit and commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive environment
* A heartfelt passion for enriching the lives of students with additional needs
About the School
This specialist SEND school in Whitehaven offers a safe, engaging, and highly personalised learning environment where every pupil can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. With expert staff and modern facilities, the school is committed to student wellbeing and staff development.
Hours & Applications
* Working hours: Monday–Friday, 8 .30 am–3 .30 pm
* Both full‑time and part‑time roles considered
Why This Role Matters
Becoming an Autism Support Worker offers:
* The opportunity to work in a structured, autism‑friendly environment that promotes calm and success
* Hands‑on experience using evidence‑based strategies to support meaningful progress
* A rewarding workplace focused on collaboration, professional growth, and celebrating every student achievement
* Regular hours with no evenings or weekends—balanced routine fosters consistency and wellbeing
* A powerful foundation for future careers in education, social care, psychology, or related fields
Take the Next Step
If you're driven to support students with autism in a structured, compassionate setting, this Autism Support Worker role offers a workplace where your contributions truly matter.
Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm
Pay: £91.00-£105.00 per year
Benefits:
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person