Learning Support Assistant (LSA) – 2:1 Support for Young Lady with ASD
Position: 2:1 Support | Start Date: Immediate
We are seeking a compassionate and patient Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to provide 2:1 support for a capable young lady who has ASD, anxiety, and pathological demand avoidance traits. The student faces challenges with social communication, interaction skills, and flexibility of thought, especially during periods of anxiety. She also experiences emotionally induced verbal and physical behaviours, but she is able to recognise and apologise for inappropriate responses after the fact.
The ideal candidate will have the ability to provide emotional and practical support in a calm and sensitive manner, offering choices rather than directives to encourage independence. The student enjoys creative writing, reading, cookery, and going out, and she would love to build more friendships. She also enjoys swimming with her dad, and these activities could provide opportunities for building rapport.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide 2:1 support for the student throughout her daily activities
- Offer choices and foster independence, ensuring the student feels empowered
- Support with social communication, helping the student navigate social situations
- Assist with flexibility of thought and provide reassurance during moments of anxiety
- Encourage and support the student in her interests such as creative writing, reading, and cookery
- Help facilitate the student's social development and support her in building friendships
- Assist with emotional regulation and provide a safe space when overwhelmed
- Support the student in physical activities like swimming with her father, and encourage positive experiences outside of school
Essential Skills & Qualities:
- Previous experience or a strong understanding of supporting students with ASD and anxiety
- Ability to offer emotional support and a calm presence when the student becomes overwhelmed
- Patience and empathy, especially when supporting a student with PDA traits
- Ability to offer choices rather than imposing demands to foster autonomy
- Strong interpersonal skills to support the student in making friendships
- Willingness to actively engage in the student's interests and passions
- A non-judgmental approach to supporting emotionally-induced behaviours
- Knowledge or interest in creative writing, cookery, and other student hobbies
This is a wonderful opportunity to help a young lady with ASD reach her full potential while supporting her emotional, social, and academic growth. If you are an empathetic and patient individual who enjoys working with students with unique needs, we would love to hear from you!
To Apply:
Please contact us for more information or submit your application. We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further 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.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the 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 FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.