Full job description Behaviour Therapist / PBS Practitioner (Maternity Cover)
Aurora Ivy Lane School, WakefieldFixed Term Maternity Cover | Full Time | September 2026 Start
Are you passionate about improving outcomes for autistic young people and those with complex needs? Do you have experience in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Psychology, or a related field? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
Aurora Ivy Lane School is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Behaviour Therapist / PBS Practitioner to join our multidisciplinary team from September 2026 to cover a period of maternity leave. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people while working within a supportive, values-led environment where Positive Behaviour Support underpins everything we do.
About Aurora Ivy Lane School
Aurora Ivy Lane School provides a bespoke education for up to 70 pupils aged 11–19 who are autistic and/or have complex needs, including behaviours that challenge. Our approach is built around Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), promoting learning, and ensuring every young person is supported to achieve meaningful outcomes.
The Role
Working closely with the Clinical Specialist Behaviour Therapist and wider multidisciplinary team, you will manage a caseload of young people with complex needs, undertaking assessments, developing intervention strategies, and supporting the implementation of personalised Positive Behaviour Support plans.
You will:
*Conduct comprehensive behavioural assessments and formulate evidence-based interventions.
*Develop, implement, monitor and review individual PBS plans and behaviour support strategies.
*Work collaboratively with education, therapy and clinical colleagues to support student outcomes.
*Provide training, coaching and guidance to school staff and families.
*Contribute to annual reviews, EHCP processes and multidisciplinary meetings.
*Produce high-quality clinical records, reports and recommendations.
*Champion and promote a Positive Behaviour Support culture across the school.
What We’re Looking For
Essential
*A 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Psychology, ABA, PBS, or a related field.
*Experience working within a specialist client group and at postgraduate level.
*Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support, Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, SEMH needs, and the impact of trauma on behaviour.
*Experience of multidisciplinary and multi-agency working.
*Strong assessment, intervention planning, report writing and communication skills.
*The ability to build positive relationships with young people, families and professionals.
Desirable
*Master’s degree in a relevant field.
*UK-SBA membership and/or BACB registration.
*UKBA(cert) and/or BCBA certification.
*Experience developing PBS plans, conducting behavioural assessments, and delivering staff training.
*Previous experience supporting autistic children and young people with complex needs, challenging behaviours, SEMH needs or learning disabilities.
Why Join Aurora?
At Aurora, you’ll be part of a dedicated team committed to transforming lives through education, care and therapeutic support. We offer a collaborative environment where professional development is encouraged and where your expertise can have a genuine impact on young people’s futures.
How to Apply:
For candidates that haven’t worked in this sector before please be aware that for regulatory reasons the application process is far more detailed and thorough compared to other sectors.
Please complete the online application form in full, including all employment and education details, and provide a personal statement that makes us keen to speak to you.
If you need any assistance or would like any more information, please contact Betsy in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at
Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.
This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled.
Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.