Teaching Assistant (Manual Handling Qualified)

Teaching Assistant (Manual Handling Qualified)
Location: Derby, UK
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract: Full-Time
Start Date: Immediate

Are you a skilled Teaching Assistant with up-to-date manual handling training? We are seeking a dedicated and physically confident professional to join our team in Derby for an immediate, full-time start.

In this vital role, you will provide essential academic and physical support to students with complex physical disabilities and Special Educational Needs (SEND). You will play a key part in ensuring our students can safely access their education, move around the school environment with dignity, and achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Physical & Mobility Support: Safely assist students with physical disabilities during transitions, transfers, and movement around the school, strictly following manual handling guidelines and individual care plans.
• Personal Care: Provide dignified support with personal care, hygiene, and hoisting requirements where necessary, ensuring student comfort and safety at all times.
• Academic Assistance: Support students within the classroom, helping them engage with the curriculum, use adaptive equipment, and participate fully in lessons.
• Therapy Implementation: Work alongside physiotherapists and occupational therapists to implement daily physical therapy or stretching routines.
• Safety & Wellbeing: Maintain a safe classroom environment by checking and correctly utilizing specialist equipment (e.g., hoists, standing frames, specialized seating).

What We Are Looking For

• Qualifications: A valid, accredited Manual Handling certificate (or recent, verifiable training) is essential for this role.
• Experience: Proven experience working as a Teaching Assistant or Support Worker with children or young adults who have severe physical disabilities or complex needs.
• Skills: Expert knowledge of safe lifting, transferring, and hoisting techniques, combined with a patient and empathetic nature.
• Commitment: Ability to work full-time hours and hit the ground running with an immediate start.
• Compliance: An enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or a willingness to undergo a new check) is mandatory.

What We Offer

• Immediate Start: A full-time position ready for you to begin working and earning straight away.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for specialized training in SEND support, medical administration, and safe physical intervention.
• Supportive Environment: Work within a collaborative, welcoming school team that values your specialist skills.
• Competitive Pay: Excellent daily or weekly pay rates reflecting your specialist qualifications.