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.
Due to demand we are seeking to add another HLTA to our established team. 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.

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.

What you'll need to succeed:
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:
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 would love to hear from you. Please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV (no more than two pages) and outline in your application your suitability for the position.

Application Deadline:

13th June

Interview Dates:

20th June

If you would like a copy of the , please click here

Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

Join us in shaping the future of inclusive education in Southend!