Behaviour Support Assistant

Behaviour Support Assistant

Location: Sheffield, S9
Job Type: Full-time
Start Date: ASAP

We are looking for an experienced, resilient and compassionate Behaviour Support Assistant to join a specialist educational setting in Sheffield, S9, supporting students with complex additional needs.

This is a rewarding but challenging role, and previous experience working directly with students with severe Autism and ADHD is essential. We are looking for someone who understands that behaviour is a form of communication and who has the confidence, patience and consistency required to support young people with complex behavioural and sensory needs.

The Role

As a Behaviour Support Assistant, you will work closely with teaching and pastoral staff to provide high-quality, individualised support to students. You will help create a safe, structured and positive learning environment where students can develop academically, socially and emotionally.

Your responsibilities will include:

Providing 1:1 and small-group support to students with severe Autism and ADHD.
Supporting students who may present with complex or challenging behaviours.
Implementing individual behaviour support plans and agreed strategies consistently.
Helping students to regulate their emotions and manage anxiety, frustration and sensory overload.
Using appropriate de-escalation and positive behaviour-support techniques.
Building trusting and meaningful relationships with students.
Supporting students to engage with learning and develop independence.
Working closely with teachers, SEN staff, families and external professionals.
Maintaining a calm, predictable and structured environment.
Recording and communicating relevant information regarding behaviour, progress and safeguarding.

Essential Experience

Candidates must have previous hands-on experience working with students or young people with severe Autism and ADHD.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience supporting young people who may:

Display challenging, distressed or high-risk behaviours.
Experience sensory overload or emotional dysregulation.
Have difficulty with communication and social interaction.
Require highly structured routines and individualised support.
Need consistent behaviour-management and de-escalation strategies.
Present with behaviours that can include aggression, self-injury, absconding or significant emotional distress.
Experience within specialist schools, SEN provisions, residential settings, behavioural services or similar environments would be highly desirable.

The Ideal Candidate

You will be:

Experienced in supporting young people with severe Autism and ADHD.
Calm, patient and emotionally resilient.
Confident managing challenging situations without becoming reactive.
Consistent in following behaviour-support strategies and boundaries.
Able to build positive relationships with students who may initially struggle to trust adults.
Observant and able to recognise triggers, patterns and changes in behaviour.
A strong communicator and team player.
Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Passionate about helping students achieve their potential, regardless of the challenges they face.
Please note: this is not a role where general classroom experience alone will be sufficient. Due to the complexity of the students' needs, demonstrable experience supporting young people with severe Autism and ADHD is an essential requirement.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Behaviour Support Assistant to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people with complex needs. You will be part of a supportive team and will receive ongoing guidance and development to help you succeed in the role.

If you have the specialist experience, resilience and commitment required to support students with severe Autism and ADHD, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to be considered for this rewarding opportunity in Sheffield, S9.

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