Job Description
Autism Specialist Support Staff | Horsham | Immediate Start & September 2026
Job title: Autism specialist support staff
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Contract: Full-time, long-term and permanent
Salary: £23,175 per annum (Including full pay over School holidays)
Start date: Immediate start available, and September 2026
Teaching Personnel is recruiting autism specialist support staff for schools across Horsham, with roles available for an immediate start as well as for September 2026. We work with specialist provisions and resourced mainstream schools across West Sussex, and right now they need experienced, knowledgeable and committed support professionals to join their teams on a full-time basis.
These are not generic teaching assistant roles. You will be working in environments specifically designed for pupils on the autism spectrum, where your understanding of communication approaches, sensory needs and structured teaching makes a measurable difference every single day.
What the role involves
* Providing 1:1 and small group support to pupils with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) across a range of ages and needs.
* Implementing personalised strategies in line with each pupil's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
* Supporting communication needs using approaches such as Makaton, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
* Creating calm, structured and predictable environments that reduce anxiety and support learning.
* Assisting with sensory regulation and transitions between activities, lessons and environments.
* Working closely with teachers, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
* Maintaining accurate records in line with EHCP targets and safeguarding requirements.
What we are looking for
* Demonstrable experience or a strong interest in supporting pupils or young people with autism in a school, care or therapeutic setting.
* Working knowledge of autism-specific approaches such as TEACCH, Intensive Interaction or low-arousal environments.
* A calm, consistent and predictable approach that pupils can rely on.
* Strong communication skills with the ability to adapt your style to each individual pupil.
* Full-time availability, Monday to Friday, term-time.
* Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one.
What you will gain
* Competitive full-time salary (see above).
* Access to specialist autism and SEN training through Teaching Personnel's CPD programme.
* Dedicated consultant support, matching you with the right school for your experience and preferences.
* Immediate start options available for the right candidate, alongside September 2026 placements.
* Long-term and permanent contract opportunities with schools that invest in their staff.
To apply or find out more information and set up a visit.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.