Teaching Assistant
To apply please send a CV and a few words about yourself to hr@theglowsticksproject.org.uk
Closing date for applications is 31st January 2026
Person Specification
Teaching Assistant (21 hours per week)
The Glowsticks Project – Middlesbrough
Essential Criteria
Qualifications
Minimum Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent relevant qualification)
Experience
Demonstrable experience supporting autistic and/or neurodivergent people in a respectful, neuroaffirming, non-behaviourist way
Experience working in a community, education, SEN, social care or skills-development setting
Experience supporting individuals with anxiety, overwhelm or sensory needs
Skills & Knowledge
Strong understanding of autism and neurodiversity from a strengths-based perspective
Ability to adapt communication styles to meet individual needs
Ability to encourage independence and confidence without creating dependency
Good awareness of safeguarding, professional boundaries and duty of care
Ability to work calmly and effectively in a busy, real-world environment
Personal Qualities
Calm, grounded and emotionally regulated
Kind but not rescuing
Warm but clear with boundaries
Reflective and open to feedback
Reliable, consistent and professional
Comfortable working as part of a team and following direction
Values & Approach
Commitment to dignity, autonomy and respect
Alignment with Glowsticks’ ethos of confidence, independence and real-world learning
Willingness to challenge behaviour-control or compliance-based models
Respectful of difference without romanticising or minimising support needs
Desirable Criteria
Experience supporting autistic adults or young people in employment or vocational settings
Lived experience of neurodivergence (including autism and/or ADHD), with appropriate self-awareness and boundaries
Understanding of sensory processing differences
Trauma-informed practice
Safeguarding training (or willingness to complete)
Experience working within a values-led charity or community organisation
Additional Requirements
Willingness to undertake further training as required
Willingness to engage in supervision and reflective practice
Enhanced DBS check (required prior to appointment)
Positive Action Statement
Glowsticks welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
We are particularly keen to encourage male applicants, who are currently under-represented within our support team, to help us build a diverse workforce that reflects the people we support.