Support assistant jobs in East of england

Learning Support Assistant (LSA) – Autism / SEND

Ambitious About Autism is recruiting for a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to support autistic young people aged 16–25 at Ambitious College, our specialist further education college.

• Full time, permanent (term time only)
• Hours: 9am - 4.30pm
• Salary: £25,837 - £27,165 per annum
• Location: Tottenham, North London (N15 4FY)
• Start date: February 2026 (flexible depending on notice periods)

Please note, this role may not meet Skilled Worker visa sponsorship criteria

You will work 1:1 with autistic learners, supporting them to access learning, build independence, confidence, and life skills — both on campus and in the community. This role involves personal care.

This role is ideal for candidates with experience or interest in:

• SEN / SEND
• Autism
• Learning Support Assistant or Teaching Assistant roles
• Care, youth work, education, or psychology backgrounds

What we offer:

• Term time only working (paid across 52 weeks)
• Extensive autism specific training and CPD
• Support from leading autism specialists
• Free daily breakfast
• Employee benefits including EAP, cycle-to-work, and season ticket loans
• Full benefits package: please see our website

The official internal title for this role is Specialist Teaching Assistant, but it is advertised externally as Learning Support Assistant to reflect the nature of the role and maximise reach.

Ambitious About Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious About Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search may be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the post are as per the job description and person specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Learning Support Assistant (LSA) – Autism / SEND

Ambitious About Autism is recruiting a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to support autistic children and young people aged 4–19 at TreeHouse School (Ofsted Outstanding) specialist school in Muswell Hill.

• Full time, permanent (term time only)
• Hours: 8.45am – 4.35pm
• Salary: £26,638 – £28,005 per annum (paid across 52 weeks)
• Location: Muswell Hill, North London (N10 3JA)
• Start date: February 2026 (flexible depending on notice period)

Please note, this role may not meet Skilled Worker visa sponsorship criteria.

You will work 1:1 with autistic pupils, supporting them to access the curriculum while building independence, confidence, and self-esteem through classroom learning and community based activities. This role includes personal care.

This role is ideal for candidates with experience or interest in:

• SEN / SEND
• Autism
• Learning Support Assistant or Teaching Assistant roles
• Care, youth work, education, or psychology backgrounds

What we offer:

• Term time only working (paid across 52 weeks)
• Autism specific training and ongoing CPD
• Supportive leadership and a strong wellbeing culture
• Varied, meaningful work with real impact
• Full benefits package: see our website

The official internal title for this role is Specialist Teaching Assistant, but it is advertised externally as Learning Support Assistant to reflect the nature of the role and maximise reach.

Ambitious About Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious About Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search may be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the post are as per the job description and person specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Join Us in Making a Real Difference

About YMCA St Paul’s Group

YMCA St Paul’s Group is one of London’s longest-standing charities, dedicated to empowering young people and strengthening communities for over 150 years. Through transformative youth programmes, inclusive health and wellbeing centres, and vital supported accommodation, we work to ensure that people—especially young people—have the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.

Our mission is rooted in long-term transformation of mind, body, and spirit, and we remain committed to building vibrant, supportive, and resilient communities across London.

About the Role

As a Housing and Support Assistant (Nights), you’ll play a pivotal frontline role in ensuring our accommodation remains a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. You’ll be a steady presence throughout the night—providing guidance, reassurance, and practical assistance for residents and visitors alike.

Whether you’re responding to queries, managing reception tasks, ensuring safety protocols are upheld, or offering a compassionate ear during challenging moments, you will be a vital part of creating a positive and secure atmosphere for those who call YMCA home.

This is a role with real variety and real impact—perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about helping others.

Working 4 nights on and 4 nights off (8pm-8am).

Key Responsibilities

Deliver Exceptional Customer Service

You will be the warm, reassuring presence residents and visitors meet first. Your confidence and professionalism will create a positive experience and set the standard for the quality of service YMCA is known for.

A Varied, Engaging Role

No two nights will be the same. Alongside reception duties—such as answering calls, processing payments, handling repairs, and managing post—you’ll take on a broad range of responsibilities that keep the building running smoothly.

Champion Safety and Security

As the on-site first aider and fire marshal, you’ll protect the wellbeing of our residents and staff. From conducting regular patrols to responding swiftly in emergencies, you’ll help maintain a safe and calm environment throughout the night.

A Welcoming and Compassionate Presence

You’ll often be the first to welcome new residents, address concerns, support those facing challenges, and record or escalate any issues such as anti-social behaviour or safeguarding concerns. Your empathy and professionalism will help residents feel heard, valued, and supported.

Be Part of a Supportive Team

You’ll join a dedicated and knowledgeable team of housing professionals who share your commitment to improving lives. Your role will be meaningful, varied, and rewarding—offering plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and make a real difference.

What You’ll Gain

At YMCA St Paul’s Group, we celebrate diversity, individuality, and community. Your voice matters here—and you’ll have opportunities to help shape positive change through our Employee Resource Groups and inclusive culture.

We’re committed to your growth. With access to robust training, qualifications, and hands-on experience, you’ll be supported in developing your career, expanding your expertise, and achieving your goals.

Benefits for Mind, Body, and Spirit include:

• Free gym access across all YMCA SPG sites

• Discounts at major retailers and supermarkets

• Free wellbeing and counselling services

• The flexibility to work across various outer London locations

• Career development programmes to support your journey

• Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity pay

• Life Assurance

About YMCA St Paul’s Group

YMCA St Paul's Group is a charity committed to supporting and empowering young people and communities across London. We provide transformative youth work, essential community services, inclusive health and wellbeing centres, and supported accommodation for those at risk of homelessness.

Our mission is to help create thriving places for young people and flourishing communities. With over 150 years of service, we remain dedicated to long-term transformation of mind, body, and spirit.

About the Role

As a Housing and Support Assistant, you will play a crucial role in delivering high-quality housing and support services to our residents. You will often be the first point of contact for residents and visitors, responding to a wide range of enquiries and offering clear, holistic, and informed guidance.

This role is wonderfully varied, combining customer service, reception duties, safety responsibilities, and building support. Whether welcoming new residents, assisting Health & Wellbeing members, or responding compassionately to concerns, you will be a key representative of YMCA St Paul’s Group throughout the night.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver Outstanding Customer Service

Be the warm, reassuring presence that sets the tone for a positive resident experience. Your professionalism and empathy will leave a lasting impression on our residents and their support network.

Versatility at Its Best

No two shifts will be the same. Alongside reception responsibilities—such as managing telephone services, handling mail, overseeing repairs, and processing payments—you will support the smooth operation of the building and contribute to a safe, welcoming environment.

Safety and Security

As the designated first aider and fire marshal, you’ll play a vital role in safeguarding residents during emergencies. Your routine wellbeing checks, patrols, and facilities inspections will help uphold a safe and comfortable environment for all.

Welcoming and Listening

As the first point of contact, you may welcome new residents, respond to complaints, handle reports of anti-social behaviour, and provide a compassionate, attentive ear. Your ability to identify, escalate, and report concerns appropriately will be essential.

A Supportive Team Environment

Joining our team means becoming part of a friendly, experienced, and collaborative group of housing advisors. Your skills and passion will shine as you help make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents. The diverse nature of your responsibilities will keep you engaged, while the impact of your work will be a source of pride and fulfilment.

What We Offer

At YMCA St Paul’s Group, we are committed to improving diversity and inclusion across our workforce and services. We value your authenticity and encourage you to bring your unique voice and perspective. You’ll also have the opportunity to influence positive change by participating in our Employee Resource Groups.

We believe in your growth. Through our comprehensive learning and development programme—including training, qualifications, and hands-on experience—you’ll be supported in gaining the skills you need while accessing clear pathways for professional progression.

Benefits to Support Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

• Free gym access across all YMCA sites

• Discounts from major retailers and supermarkets

• Free wellbeing and counselling services

• Flexibility to work across a range of outer London locations

• Career development programmes to help you thrive

• Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity pay

• Life Assurance

Please note there are two positions available: 1 Permanent and 1 Fixed Term Contract (12 Months)

Location: Office Based - London (Southwark) (due to the nature of this role, it cannot be offered on a home-working or hybrid basis)

Job Profile

Are you interested in an opportunity in the charity sector? Would you like to develop an understanding of internal processes and liaise with multiple teams in the organisation? Are you someone who likes to work with money, data and people?

The post holder will contribute to ensuring the Supporter Donations Team (SDT) manage and administer supporter donation activity on behalf of CAFOD, providing a high level of supporter care while delivering within agreed service levels and Key Performance Indicators. SDT has the overall responsibility for managing and thanking all supporter donations to CAFOD made through a variety of channels and schemes. SDT works within the Finance and infrastructure group, liaises across all teams in CAFOD, and external service providers to ensure donations are processed within agreed service levels and quality standards. Due to the nature of SDT’s role, SDT has particularly close ties to CAFOD Fundraising activities and actively engages in our fundraising programmes and schemes.

Key Responsibilities

Supporter Care:

• Handle telephone, email and postal enquiries from supporters; identifying and resolving queries in a prompt, warm and sensitive way.
• Provide phone cover to the Supporter Care team as required.
• Provide reception cover to the Supporter Care team as required.

Donations:

• Accurately code donations received, ensuring agreed departmental procedures are followed.
• Process, set up and administer instructions and payments through a variety of donations channels and schemes such as Online, Direct Debit, standing orders, BACs, Payroll giving schemes and online giving platforms.
• Input and maintain data on CAFOD’s supporter database, ensuring high degrees of accuracy on our donor records.
• File and archive financial data, while adhering to strict audit controls.

Gift Aid:

• Understand Gift Aid and its application within CAFOD.
• Assist with all aspects of tax effective giving, in accordance with agreed procedures and priorities, including preparation of regular tax claims for submission to HMRC.

Thanking:

• Produce and dispatch letters to thank and acknowledge donations received.
• Write bespoke letters of thanks to supporters to respond to exceptional donations and provide a personal touch.
• Contribute to ongoing enhancement and improvement of supporter thanking

Post/banking:

• Assist with all incoming and outgoing postal duties held by SDT to maximise effectiveness of processes and delivery of key service levels.
• Preparation of daily banking, cash handling and initial reconciliation of all monies received daily.

 All SDT staff are expected to:

• Attend and contribute to regular team, section, divisional and CAFOD-wide meetings and briefings.
• Work as a supportive member of the team, providing cover for and training of the section staff and volunteers as required.
• Participate in training and other activities as requested by the line manager
• Assist with the rapid set up of projects and work packages in response to major emergency and disaster appeals.
• Rotate through all key tasks within the team / section.

This list of duties and responsibilities is by no means exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake other relevant and appropriate duties as required. This job description is subject to regular review and appropriate modification.

Safeguarding

All CAFOD staff share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities.

Job Specific Competencies 

• Displays a methodical approach to administrative tasks to meet processing deadlines, whilst maintaining an excellent standard of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to communicate professionally with supporters, from individual givers to religious communities.
• Displays excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build strong collaborative relationships with colleagues.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with CRM software/ database

Please click here for a full list of CAFOD’s Staff Benefits

Come and join us and help make a real difference in the lives of the world’s poorest communities.

CAFOD is an equal opportunities employer. Recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

In-Work Support and Communication Assistant
Salary: £26,999 - £29,500 per annum, pro-rata (£13,114 – £14,329 per annum for 17 hours per week).
Hours: 17 hours per week, days to be agreed
Place of work: Action on Disability Centre for Independent Living, Mo Mowlam House, Clem Attlee Court, London SW6 7BF
Department: In Work Support
Reports to: Project Lead- Employment Development and Access Support
Contract period: Permanent (dependent on funding)

About Action on Disability

Action on Disability (AoD), founded in 1979, is one of London’s leading Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs). Guided by the Social Model of Disability, we work to remove barriers and promote equality, inclusion and choice for all Disabled people.

AoD is a medium-sized charity with a Board of Trustees, 27 staff, and a strong pool of casual staff and volunteers. Many of whom have lived experience of disability. We are proud that 100% of our Board and 54% of our staff identify as Disabled.

We deliver four key services: Youth, Employment, Welfare Benefits, and Independent Living.

Purpose of the Role

The postholder will play a key role in delivering high-quality, person-centred In-Work Support to Disabled employees and their employers. This includes maintaining accurate support plans, carrying out regular workplace visits and reviews, and ensuring support remains effective and tailored to individual needs. The role also involves supporting recruitment administration. The postholder will contribute to quality assurance by monitoring feedback, updating CRM systems, and supporting communication across the team. In addition, they will help organise staff and employer events, produce newsletters, and create engaging content to promote inclusive employment practices and celebrate the successes of the In-Work Support service.

Main Responsibilities

Service Delivery and Support Planning

• Update and maintain accurate support plans for In Work Support clients.
• Carry out regular workplace visits/support assessments and remote check-ins with employees to review progress and provide support.

Monitoring, Feedback, and Quality Assurance

• Chase, read, action, and securely store all feedback forms.
• Share relevant feedback and service updates with line manager in a timely manner.
• Ensure all CRM systems are updated with accurate and up-to-date records.

Recruitment Administration

• Support the recruitment process by being part of the interview panel, chasing references, scanning and storing key documents, and completing necessary online checks.
• Monitor and record completion of mandatory online training for new and existing staff.

Events and Communications

• Support the organisation and delivery of three annual staff events, ensuring accessibility and engagement.
• Create a fortnightly newsletter with updates, stories, and resources related to In-Work Support from feedback and visits.

Closing Date: Friday 2nd January 2026
Interview Dates: Week commencing 5th January 2026

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website where you can complete your application for this position.

You do not need to meet every point to apply. We welcome applications from Disabled people and value a wide range of experience, including lived experience of disability.

We welcome applications from Disabled people and will provide reasonable adjustments at all stages of recruitment and employment.

No agencies please.