Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Are you an experienced and resilient TA interested in working creatively to facilitate and develop learning, outside in a farm environment?

We are looking for individuals who is confident in the field of working with young people, and with animals (no animal expertise needed). You will need to enjoy being outside throughout the year, together with a team of support and education colleagues.

Every day is different on the farm, and it can be busy and exhausting, and also very rewarding.

Full time or Term time, farm based, near Guildford, Liss or West Horsley. We are recruiting for all three sites.

The role holder will support a full range of Teaching, using in the majority our Animal Assisted Therapeutic Activities approach, and working with children and young people across a wide spectrum of needs, incorporating the curriculum into all types of activities. This includes working with complex needs and behaviours, including emotional, social, behavioural, learning and mental health needs. The role holder will support children and young people to undertake sessions and educational activities, in particular working with the unique curriculum with learners who are coming to Elysian for their education.

TAs, including Higher level TAs may have different areas of expertise which will be integrated into their roles. A TA who have expertise in equines will undertake regular ridden and non-ridden sessions with equines, and work with (and train) equines with young people, and building their overall equine skills and knowledge including riding abilities. Other TA’s have other expertise, such as other animals, literacy and areas of the curriculum.

**Skills**:
Experience and Qualification
- TA Qualification Preferred, as are relevant SEN/Teaching qualification in specialist areas
- At least 3 years’ experience of direct client work, working in a Teaching environment.
- Experience of SEN in an education setting is essential.
- Experience of working with Emotional Social and Behavioural Difficulties is essential.
- Experience with animals or equines, including general care is beneficial.
- Experience in delivering psycho education workshops or supporting groups incorporating animals will be an added advantage.
- Confidence and willingness to gain knowledgeable in caring for all animals is essential.
- Sound knowledge of Safeguarding and good professional boundaries is essential.

Additional Skills
- Ability to project a positive public image of self and the organisation whilst exhibiting a culture of outstanding service and high ethical standards.
- Excellent communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English is essential
- Capable of establishing and maintaining constructive interpersonal relationships within the organisation.
- Demonstrated experience of working within a multi-disciplinary and/or diverse environment.

Overview of role

Supporting young people to undertake educational and therapeutic activities with animals and/or horses, including facilitating group and individual sessions.

Provide informal and formal assessment of new young people, and contribute to formulating educational goals, individualised for each young person.

Maintain any records necessary for the evaluation of service needs and efficiency and ensure that documentation is clear, accurate and in compliance with legal requirements.

Maintain records and documents to ensure compliance with general Health and Safety and other regulatory bodies.

Undertake research relevant to the work as needed.

Maintain an appropriate level of confidentiality at all times.

Deputise for and support Teachers in a variety of ways in the support of junior staff and the learners to progress learner goals

Prepare and deliver structured Learning sessions for groups and individuals, including workshops and delivering learning plans/lessons where applicable.

Where appropriate, provide coaching and training for students, junior or new staff.

Where appropriate provide supervision of apprentices and/or volunteers.

Oversee and undertake general liaison with young people, their carers/parents and relevant professionals within and outside the organisation with regards to general progress reporting and follow up.

Contribute to the overall promotion activities of the organisation.

Contribute to the overall ethos and aims of the organisations and general team agenda, which may include ensuring animals are healthy, happy and looked after, and/or developmental or maintenance tasks as part of a current or ongoing organisational agenda.

Elysian is committed to Safeguarding children and young people and for that reason have a stringent safeguarding procedure including references and enhanced DBS checks.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £24,160.00-£29,641.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- On-site parking
- Sick pay

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift

**Experience**:

- Teaching Assistant/SEN: 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person