Job Description

SEMH Teaching Assistant

Summary

Are you a therapist, counsellor or mental health practitioner ready to bring your trauma-informed insight into education? This long-term SEMH Teaching Assistant role offers a meaningful way to support children and young people who have experienced significant adversity, helping them regulate their emotions, build trust, and re-engage with school life.

It's a unique opportunity to apply therapeutic principles in a classroom context, working side-by-side with skilled educators to support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. If you're looking for a new way to make a difference -- one where your calm, consistent presence truly matters -- this role could be the perfect fit.

The Role

Supporting pupils aged 11-16 who face challenges related to trauma, attachment, and emotional regulation Providing stability and relational safety for students with complex behaviour and SEMH needs Helping deliver personalised learning strategies and behaviour plans Encouraging self-regulation and emotional growth through compassionate, consistent support Working collaboratively with teachers, SEND staff, and pastoral teams to provide holistic care Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm -- no shifts, no lone working, and no weekend hours

The Ideal Person

A qualified therapist, counsellor, or trauma-informed professional Or someone from a youth work, care, social services or mental health background ready for a career change Knowledgeable about the effects of trauma on behaviour and learning Empathetic, patient, and skilled in de-escalation and restorative approaches A confident communicator and team player

The School

This is a mainstream secondary school with a deep commitment to SEMH support. Staff here recognise the impact of early trauma and work proactively to help pupils rebuild confidence and connection. The environment is structured but nurturing, with a strong multi-agency approach that values every team member's contribution to student wellbeing.

Hours

8.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. Full-time and part-time applicants welcome.

The Benefits

Competitive pay Term-time working only A chance to bring your therapeutic experience into education Long-term role with the potential to become permanent

Help young people feel safe, seen and supported.

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm

Pay: 91.00-105.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking Referral programme
Work Location: In person