Job Description

Your New Organisation

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role

Are you an experienced and confident Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) (or equivalent) with a passion for supporting students with complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?

Do you thrive on sharing your expertise and are interested in working across a variety of settings?

If so, we want to hear from you!

Southend City Council’s Specialist Teaching Service is seeking dynamic HLTAs to work across the city, supporting students with a wide range of complex needs, including Autism, Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties, Literacy challenges, and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. We’re looking for skilled professionals from Primary, Secondary, mainstream, specialist, and special school settings who are ready to make a real difference across Southend’s schools. This role is being offered on a full time and permanent basis.

In this position we are specifically looking to recruit as soon as possible a HLTA or equivalent member of staff to work with our complex SEND learners, some of who are pre-verbal, some are in mainstream class and others in smaller provision. We are looking for staff that have had experience working within either a specialist provision or nurture style base within a mainstream school

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide tailored support to students with complex SEND needs in a variety of school environments, helping them access learning and achieve their potential.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, and school leaders to implement effective strategies for SEND support and inclusive practice.
• Offer specialist guidance on Autism, Speech and Language difficulties, Literacy, and SEMH needs, sharing your expertise with staff and helping to develop inclusive learning environments.
• Support the delivery of targeted interventions, ensuring that SEND students receive high-quality, individualised support.
• Work across both Primary and Secondary schools to address the needs of SEND students and promote positive outcomes.
• Be part of a response team working with Specialist Teachers to support our most vulnerable students.

NB: The advertised salary will be pro rata as this position is term time only.

What you'll need to succeed

Qualifications and Experience:

• HLTA status or equivalent qualification.
• Experience working with students who have complex SEND needs, including Autism, Speech, Language & Communication, Literacy, and SEMH challenges.
• A proven track record of supporting SEND students in either mainstream, specialist, or special school settings.
• Confidence in delivering interventions, providing classroom support, and working closely with teaching staff to enhance SEND provision.
• Strong understanding of inclusive practice and the strategies needed to overcome barriers to learning for children with SEND.

What you'll get in return

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience – we are offering Level 7 HLTA to reflect the level of the role.
• The opportunity to work in a variety of schools across Southend, making a meaningful difference to students’ educational journeys.
• A supportive team of SEND professionals with access to ongoing training and development opportunities.
• In house training and support.
• The chance to shape inclusive education across the city, working with a range of professionals in diverse settings.

What you need to do now

If you’re passionate about supporting students with complex SEND needs and are ready to share your expertise across a range of schools in Southend, we’d love to hear from you!

Please click 'apply online' to send an up-to-date copy of your CV and a cover letter (no more than 2 sides) outlining your suitability for the role.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.

Join us in shaping the future of SEND education in Southend and help make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people with special educational needs!