Education Support Mentor / HLTA role TM8853

We are looking for a creative, active, flexible and emotionally attuned Education Support Mentor / HLTA to join a unique EOTAS package supporting a bright autistic learner with a PDA profile.

This is not a traditional school-based role and would suit somebody who enjoys thinking outside the box, building genuine relationships and supporting self-directed learning through curiosity, play, movement and shared interests.

The learner is nearly 6 years old and loves:

animals and outdoor experiences
dinosaurs, monsters and active imaginative role play
movement, physical play and adventure
self-directed exploration and real-life learning
Minecraft and playdoh
The role involves supporting the learner across home and community environments.

This is a highly relational role where trust, flexibility and emotional attunement are more important than formal teaching or behaviour-management approaches.

The role would particularly suit; HLTAs, Teaching Assistants, mentors or youth workers, home educators, alternative education practitioners, neurodivergent adults, creative/outdoor practitioners, professionals seeking a more relational and neuro-affirming way of working.

Experience supporting autistic young people and/or PDA profiles would be highly beneficial.

Training and ongoing support will be provided, including support from a specialist Multi-Disciplinary Team.
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Duties include:
- Eating and drinking assistance
- Other relevant duties as required
- Transportation
- Dressing / undressing
- Bathroom assistance
- Relationship-based mentoring and co-regulation
- Self-directed and interest-led learning
- Play-based and sensory-based experiential learning opportunities
- Community access and activities
- Supporting social communication and interactions and confidence
- Helping the learner safely access outings, sessions and experiences
- Building emotional safety, autonomy and engagement

Reliable with good timekeeping
- Able to both follow instructions and work on own initiative
- Hygienic, tidy and well organised
- Fit and healthy to undertake the required duties
- Honest and cheerful
- Able to speak and read English to a reasonable standard
- Must be comfortable with pets
- Able to always work to high standards of health & safety
- Calm, patient and emotionally regulated
- Warm, trustworthy and relationship-focused
- Flexible and adaptable in approach
- Knowledgeable about autism and PDA (or committed to developing this)
- Playful, creative and interest-led
- Trauma-informed
- Discreet, professional and a strong team player - able to work closely within a small multidisciplinary team, communicate effectively with professionals and parents
- Maintain confidentiality and be respectful of employer's privacy

Additional requirements
Non-smoker preferred or someone willing to refrain from smoking during working hours

Notes:
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required., Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to .

up to 32.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, daytime hours (times to be discussed/agreed). The role is year-round/52 weeks (possibility of term time only). Open to job share.

Hourly pay rate:
£25.00 per hour
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Support a bright curious nearly 6 year old autistic learner with a PDA profile through self-directed, interest-led learning at home and in the community.