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