Specialist Behaviour Support Worker (SBS)
Full UK Driving Licence & Access to a Vehicle Required
Salary: £26,000 - £28,860
About Us
HeadStart Speech & Behaviour Therapies is a multidisciplinary service supporting children and young people aged 4–22 years with autism, learning disabilities, developmental language needs, and complex profiles.
We deliver support across homes, schools, community settings, and alternative provision, working closely with families, schools, and local authorities to create meaningful, lasting outcomes.
Due to growing demand, we are seeking enthusiastic and committed Specialist Behaviour Support Workers (SBS) to join our team.
This is a highly rewarding role with clear progression pathways, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to work within our developing Alternative Provision (AP).
The Role
You will work 1:1 with children and young people, supporting them to develop key life, communication, and learning skills through structured, evidence-based approaches.
Interventions are informed by:
- Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
- Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
- Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) principles
You will typically support 2–3 clients, working as part of a wider clinical team led by a Consultant Behaviour Analyst.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver 1:1 support to children and young people across:
- Home
- School
- Community
- Alternative Provision
Implement individualised programmes designed by clinicians
Collect and record daily data to track progress
Support children to develop:
- Communication skills
- Independence and self-help skills
- Emotional regulation
- Learning readiness
- Academic Skills
Work collaboratively with:
- Families
- Schools
- Multidisciplinary professionals
- Attend monthly team meetings and supervision
Who We’re Looking For
We are looking for individuals who are:
- Warm, engaging, and genuinely passionate about working with children
- Energetic, proactive, and able to use their initiative
- Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
- Committed to learning and developing within a clinical environment
Essential Requirements
- Minimum 12 months’ experience working with children or young people with additional needs
Experience as:
- Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant
- Speech & Language Therapy Assistant
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Full UK driving licence and access to a car
- Strong written and spoken English
- Basic IT skills (Word, Excel)
Willingness to undergo:
- Enhanced DBS check
- Safeguarding training
Desirable Experience
- RBT qualification
- Previous experience as an ABA tutor or PBS support worker
- Degree or diploma in Psychology, Health, or Social Sciences
Training & Development
- Comprehensive 18-month training programme
- Monthly clinical supervision (60 minutes)
- Ongoing performance development and feedback
- Quarterly team training days
- Opportunity to complete the RBT qualification (fully funded after 12 months)
(commitment required following completion)
Employee Support & Benefits
- 28 days annual leave (pro rata)
- Statutory sick pay
- Company sick pay (after 1 year)
- Access to wellbeing support and counselling services
- Peer support network
- Uniform (t-shirt and lanyard)
Clinical Support & Team Culture
- Regular supervision and mentoring
- Access to experienced clinicians and multidisciplinary input
- Collaborative and supportive team environment
- Strong focus on staff wellbeing and development
Commitment to Trauma-Informed Practice
At HeadStart, we recognise that many of the children and young people we support have experienced trauma and adversity. Our approach is grounded in trauma-informed and neuro-affirming practice, ensuring behaviour is understood as communication.
Staff are expected to prioritise:
- Emotional safety
- Co-regulation
- Relationship-based practice
Alongside evidence-based behavioural approaches.
Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment
HeadStart Speech & Behaviour Therapies is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment.
This role is subject to:
- Enhanced DBS clearance
- Satisfactory references
- Verification of employment history and qualifications
Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide a full employment history, with explanations for any gaps, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance.
Travel Requirements
You must be based in, or willing to travel across:
- Forest Hill
- Deptford
- Surrounding areas
Recruitment Process
Stage 1: Application Review
Applications reviewed and shortlisted candidates invited to interview
Stage 2: Interview
Interview with a HeadStart representative
Stage 3: Observation Session
Why Join HeadStart?
- This is more than a support role—it’s an opportunity to build a career in behaviour analysis and multidisciplinary practice, while making a genuine difference to children and families.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £26,000.00-£28,860.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Please list some dates and times we can call you for an initial chat
Education:
- A-Level or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- Working with individuals with autism: 1 year (preferred)
- working with individuals with challenging behaviour: 1 year (preferred)
- working in the uk education system : 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Full UK Driving Licence and car (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: On the road
