Higher Level Teaching Assistant and Mentor, Bristol

We are looking for a compassionate, resilient and adaptable HLTA and Mentor - Emotional Regulation and Life Skills to join our specialist team. This unique dual‑role opportunity combines class‑based HLTA support with dedicated mentoring focused on emotional regulation, wellbeing, communication and independence. The successful candidate will work as a mentor for three days per week and as a class‑based HLTA for two days per week. This role suits someone passionate about building trusted relationships with young people and supporting them to feel safe, understood and successful both in school and beyond.

As a Mentor – Emotional Regulation and Life Skills (3 days per week) you will:

• Work directly with students on a 1:1 basis and in small groups, supporting emotional regulation, communication, resilience and independence.
• Help young people develop strategies to manage anxieties, transitions and challenges that may impact their learning and wellbeing, using positive, autism‑friendly and relational approaches.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with students, helping them feel safe, understood and confident within school life.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, families and other professionals to plan and deliver personalised support, monitor progress and encourage students to develop important life skills and greater independence.

As a Class‑Based Higher Level Teaching Assistant (2 days per week) you will:

• Support students academically, socially and emotionally throughout the school day through 1:1 sessions, small‑group interventions and whole‑class activities.
• Help create a calm, engaging and inclusive learning environment.
• Lead or supervise classes in the teacher's absence and support educational visits and wider enrichment opportunities when required.

• Good general education (GCSEs or equivalent).
• Experience working with children or young people in an education, youth work or care setting.
• Awareness of the needs of autistic children and young people, with an understanding of safeguarding and inclusion.
• Ability to build positive relationships and communicate effectively with children and young people.
• Patient, empathetic and adaptable, with strong organisational skills.
• Commitment to promoting wellbeing, independence and inclusion.
• Positive, flexible approach with willingness to undertake relevant training.

• Relevant qualification in mentoring, youth work, education, psychology, counselling or a related field.
• Experience supporting autistic children or young people with additional needs.
• Experience delivering one‑to‑one or small‑group interventions.
• Knowledge of emotional regulation, social skills and positive behaviour support strategies.
• Ability to engage students through creative or practical activities such as art, sport, cooking or outdoor learning.

• A genuinely inclusive and specialist setting.
• Comprehensive induction and support.
• Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development.
• The chance to work alongside experienced SEND professionals.
• A warm and collaborative team culture.
• Meaningful work where you can see the impact you make every day.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Access to health and wellbeing support services.

Salary: £29,064 - £31,021 per annum full time equivalent. Term‑time only working salary: £25,291 - £26,994 per annum, plus generous pension and sick pay scheme.