Job Description:

Sports Coaches & Youth Workers Wanted - SEND Teaching Assistant - Rochdale

Do you have experience in sports, coaching, youth work, community groups or religious organisations? Want to use those skills to support young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)? Tradewind Recruitment is seeking motivated, confident individuals to join a SEND school for secondary‑aged pupils (including those with autism and SEMH needs) in Rochdale. This is a full‑time role available from as soon as possible and we need someone who is committed, reliable, and ready to make a lasting difference.

The Role:

• Support secondary‑aged students (11‑18 or equivalent SEND age range) who have autism, SEMH, or related additional needs, providing structure, encouragement, and positive role modelling
• Use your background in sports, fitness, martial arts, youth or community work, or faith‑based projects to build trust, boost confidence, and help students regulate emotions
• Help students stay focused in class, manage behaviour, and develop routines that support their learning and wellbeing
• Work 1:1 and in small groups to deliver personalised support and interventions
• Be part of a SEND specialist team committed to consistency, safety, and emotional stability

Who This Role Would Suit:

• Someone with experience working with young people - in schools, coaching, youth clubs, community initiatives, religious organisations, or similar settings
• Calm, patient, confident, with strong emotional resilience
• Excellent communicator, able to build trusting relationships with students, staff, families
• Highly reliable and consistent - unreliability can be extremely detrimental to students' mental health and progress, especially those with SEND and SEMH

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Specific experience of autism, SEMH, or related special needs
• Experience mentoring teens or working in settings which support pupils who dysregulate behaviour
• Any SEND / TA qualifications (e.g. Level 2/3, NVQ, CACHE) though not essential - full training provided

What We Offer:

• Competitive full‑time daily pay
• Access to over 2,500 free training courses, including specialist courses in behaviour management, autism awareness, mental health support
• Interview support and preparation
• Local payroll - no umbrella companies
• Holiday pay, referral bonuses, and social/networking events

Why This Role Matters:
For students with SEND and SEMH, consistency, structure, and reliable support are not optional - they are essential. If you've been active in youth work, community projects, faith groups, sport or coaching, your skills and reliability can help these young people feel safe, understood, and supported. Being present every single day isn't just about attendance - it's about protecting emotional wellbeing and giving them the stability they need to thrive.

Ready to Get Started?
Call Rachael Pheasey on (phone number removed) or email (url removed) to apply or learn more. Search "Tradewind Recruitment Manchester" to see why we're rated 5 stars by candidates just like you.