Teaching Assistant

Who we are:

The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people. Since 1962, we’ve been transforming lives, changing attitudes and helping to create a society that works for autistic adults and children.

We transform lives by providing support, guidance and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Autistic people turn to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work.

We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws.

We have come a long way but it is not good enough. There is still so much to do to increase opportunities, reduce social isolation and build a brighter future for people on the spectrum. With your help, we can make it happen.

What we can offer you:

• Auto-enrolled pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferences
• Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits (cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, shopping discounts etc)
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Life Assurance
• A portfolio of salary sacrifice and other flexible benefits at reduced costs
• Access to a 24-hour employee assistance programme & a Headspace App

We are passionate about supporting autistic people into work, and particularly welcome applications from autistic people. We help autistic people from all backgrounds and strive to represent the same diversity in our staff and volunteers. We particularly encourage applications from people from all minority groups, who are currently under-represented in our workforce. Together, we can create a society that works for autistic people.  

Who we are looking for:

Teaching Assistants with experience of working with Autistic pupils and those with more complex diagnosis such as PDA, ADHD or OCD.

We need you to be resilient, supportive and sensitive towards the needs of autistic people. Being a teaching assistant takes bravery, patience and commitment but working with autistic people gives so much more in return.

You may have a personal connection, a desire to work with or real-life experiences working with autistic people. You might not have lots of experience yet, but if you share our values and are willing to make a difference to the lives of autistic people, we’d love to hear from you.

You must be prepared to use initiative and work in a non-directive and non-confrontational way. You must have good written and verbal communication skills.

To view the job description please click here.

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism.

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

Please click here to view the safeguarding policy and please click here to view the policy and procedure for employment of ex-offenders.