Job description
Job Title: Autism Support Assistant
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Contract: Part Time, Full Time, Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026 or sooner
Salary: £92 - £115 per day
Make a real difference by helping learners with additional needs feel understood, supported, and fully included in their education journey!
GSL Education are currently recruiting for a dedicated and compassionate Autism Support Assistant to work within a post-16 educational setting in York.
This is a highly rewarding opportunity to support learners with Autism Spectrum Condition and associated learning needs, helping them access education in a way that suits their individual strengths and challenges. You will play a vital role in promoting independence, communication, and confidence within a structured and supportive environment.
About the Role:
As an Autism Support Assistant, you will provide tailored support to students who require additional help in managing communication, social interaction, sensory needs, and learning engagement. Working closely with teaching staff and support teams, you will help create a positive and predictable learning environment where students can thrive.
You will support learners with a range of additional needs, which may include Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs), Speech, Language and Communication Needs, Dyspraxia, and Moderate to Severe Learning Difficulties.
Core Responsibilities of the Autism Support Assistant:
- Provide individualised support to learners with Autism and associated needs
- Help students understand and engage with learning activities in accessible ways
- Support communication development using appropriate strategies and tools
- Assist learners in managing sensory needs and emotional regulation
- Encourage independence, confidence, and participation in college life
- Support positive behaviour and help implement structured routines
- Work collaboratively with teaching staff and specialist support teams
- Build consistent, trusting relationships with learners to promote engagement
- Contribute to a calm, structured, and inclusive learning environment
As the Ideal Autism Support Assistant, You Should Have:
- Experience supporting children or young people with Autism or additional learning needs
- Understanding of SEND, including ADHD, Dyslexia, SEMH, and communication difficulties
- A calm, patient, and adaptable approach to working with learners
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to respond positively to challenging or changing situations
- A supportive and encouraging attitude focused on learner wellbeing
- Experience in education, care, youth work, or support settings is highly desirable
- Relevant training or qualifications in SEND support would be an advantage
To Work with GSL Education, You Must:
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Provide an up-to-date CV with relevant reference information covering the last 2 years
- Have recent experience working with children or young people
- Hold an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or be willing to apply for one
If you are a committed Autism Support Assistant looking to make a meaningful impact in a specialist educational environment in York, we welcome your application.
GSL Education are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS check registered to the update service (or willingness to apply for one), satisfactory references, and verification of qualifications and right to work in the UK.
To apply to work with GSL Education as an Autism Support Assistant in York, or to find out more, please contact Kerry Fowler at GSL Education and submit an up-to-date CV via the application link.