Job Description

SEN SPECIALIST -Autism & Communication Support Practitioner (Post-16)

Koji Academy - Kidderminster : 32-40 per hour.

Koji Academy -- Calm learning. Meaningful progress.

At Koji Academy, we believe calm is the foundation of learning, and progress is built through trust, structure, and care. We are an ISO 9001 certified education provider, delivering high-quality, personalised education for children and young people who need a different approach -- one that recognises the whole learner, not just academic outcomes.

We are also proud members of National Autistic Society.

Through trauma-informed practice and consistent, nurturing relationships, we create environments where learners feel safe, understood, and capable of growth. Supported by strong systems, professional expertise, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Koji Academy empowers young people to re-engage with learning, build confidence, and achieve meaningful, lasting progress at their own pace.

Our head office is based in the Iconic Quad Building, Telford, and we are proudly supported by Innovate Telford, placing us at the centre of innovation, quality assurance, and forward-thinking educational practice.

Our work is shaped by one simple belief:
When learners feel calm, safe, and understood, progress follows.

Our Mission

Koji Academy exists to support young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to re-engage with learning, rebuild confidence, and achieve their potential.

We support learners with EHCPs who have:

SEMH needs Autism and ADHD Moderate and Severe Learning Difficulties (MLD / SLD) Complex behavioural, social, and emotional challenges
Through trauma-informed, personalised education, we help young people develop academic skills, emotional regulation, independence, and self-belief.

Our Values & Culture

Koji Academy is built on calm professionalism, compassion, and quality.

Our tutors are trusted specialists who bring patience, adaptability, and expertise to every session. We value:

Emotional safety and consistency High standards underpinned by structure and clarity Respect, inclusion, and collaboration Continuous professional development
As an ISO 9001 certified organisation, we ensure tutors are supported by clear systems, specialist guidance, and a responsive team -- allowing you to focus on what matters most: the learner.

Koji Academy is recruiting an experienced autism specialist to work 1:1 with Post16 learner severe learning difficulties and complex communication needs, educated under an EHCP.

This is NOT a standard alone tutoring or academic teaching role.

Please do not apply unless you have direct experience with non-verbal autistic individuals and very limited engagement.

The Role

Home-based, face-to-face support (Kidderminster area) Focus on engagement, communication, sensory regulation and trust Young person currently has minimal interaction and may remain in a darkened room Progress will be slow and relationship-led Academic learning is secondary and may not begin immediately
Essential Professional Experience (Applicants MUST have):

Significant experience supporting autistic individuals with severe learning difficulties Experience with non-verbal or minimally verbal young people Confident use of AAC (PECS, VOCA or similar) Strong understanding of sensory processing and low-arousal approaches Ability to work calmly, patiently and without pressure in a home setting
Suitable Backgrounds Include:

Specialist SEN teacher Autism practitioner / communication support worker Speech & Language Therapy Assistant Occupational Therapy Assistant Experience in specialist SEN schools or autism services
This Role Is NOT Suitable For:

Mainstream tutors or teachers Behavioural or compliance-based practitioners Applicants without hands-on autism experience
Key Personal Qualities

Calm, consistent and emotionally attuned Comfortable with minimal or indirect interaction Able to follow the young person's lead Resilient and reflective
Hours: Part-time, flexible
Location: Home-based (Kidderminster)

Other Requirements:

Must:

Enhanced DBS:

registered on the update service

Experience:

of teaching from the British National Curriculum

Location: Must be based in the UK with the right to work in the UK.

Self-Employed

: This is a self-employed position.

Availability:

Available for immediate work

Desirable:

Experience

: Minimum 2 years of teaching experience, with a background in working with SEND, SEMH, MLD, and/or SLD students. (Desirable)

References: Two professional references.

Who Should Apply?

If you have a strong background in education and have previously worked in roles such as:

SENCo (Special Education Needs Coordinator) SLD / MLD Teacher Autism / ADHD Support Teacher Intervention Specialist Former Teacher
Or if you have experience in therapeutic and learning support positions such as:

Learning Support Assistant (LSA) Educational Therapist Speech and Language Therapist Educational Psychologist
and you meet our requirements; we encourage you to consider applying for a role with us.

Application Process

We look forward to

receiving your CV

, which should highlight your relevant skills and experience.

Quick Response:

We will review your application and respond within 24-48 hours, aiming to schedule an interview within the same week.

Inclusive Hiring:

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including minority and LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disabilities, refugees, migrants, and those living with mental health conditions.

Commitment to Safer Recruitment:

Please refer to our detailed Safer Recruitment policy statement below.

Safer Recruitment Policy Statement

Koji Academy is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services. All successful applicants will undertake employment reference checks, and a Disclosure & Barring Service check. Please note, this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Only applicants meeting the essential criteria will be considered.

Hourly Rate

32 - 40 per hour

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary, Zero hours contract

Pay: 32.00-40.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15 per week

Benefits:

Flexitime
Work Location: In person