Emotional Literacy Support Assistant

Prospero Teaching; Willenhall; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable educational recruitment agency is seeking an experienced ELSA / Therapy Assistant to support children with emotional and social needs. The successful candidate will deliver tailored 1:1 and small-group sessions, addressing various challenges such as anxiety and attachment issues. Ideal applicants will have a solid background in therapeutic interventions, excellent communication abilities, and the capability to build relationships with vulnerable pupils. This full-time temporary role is located in Greater Manchester with a pay rate of £500.00 - £600.00 per week.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in an ELSA role or delivering therapeutic interventions.
• Experience supporting pupils with a range of additional needs.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Deliver structured ELSA sessions, tailoring interventions.
• Support pupils with anxiety and emotional regulation.
• Collaborate with teachers and external professionals.

Skills

Emotional literacy

Child development understanding

Excellent communication skills

Coping mechanism development

Ability to de-escalate situations

Job description

Position Details

• Position: ELSA / Therapy Assistant
• Location: Manchester and Greater Manchester
• Contract Type: Temporary, Full Time
• Rate of Pay: £500.00 - £600.00 per week (DOE)
• Working Hours: 08:30 - 15:30

Role Overview

Are you an experienced, confident, and emotionally resilient Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) with a proven background in supporting children with additional emotional or social needs? We are working with a number of clients seeking skilled ELSA / Therapy Assistants to join their dedicated wellbeing and SEND teams. This role is ideal for someone who has hands‑on experience delivering therapeutic interventions, supporting children with SEMH needs, and building strong, trusting relationships with pupils who require consistent emotional support. Your expertise will play a crucial role in helping pupils develop self‑regulation, confidence, communication skills, and emotional literacy.

Responsibilities

• Deliver structured 1:1 and small‑group ELSA sessions, tailoring interventions to individual needs.
• Support pupils with anxiety, attachment needs, trauma‑informed work, emotional regulation, low confidence, and social skills.
• Apply evidence‑based strategies and therapeutic approaches previously used successfully.
• Identify triggers, reduce barriers to learning, and empower pupils to develop healthy coping mechanisms.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENDCo, pastoral leads and external professionals to ensure a holistic approach to emotional development.
• Keep accurate records of progress, review session outcomes and contribute to wider support plans.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Previous experience in an ELSA role or delivering therapeutic/pastoral interventions.
• Strong understanding of emotional literacy, child development and SEMH presentations.
• Experience supporting pupils with a range of additional needs, including anxiety, ASD, attachment needs and behavioural challenges.
• Ability to de‑escalate situations calmly and use reflective, trauma‑informed practice.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build secure relationships with vulnerable young people.
• Flexibility, empathy and confidence to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Eligibility Criteria

• Hold Right to Work in the UK.
• Hold an enhanced child barred list DBS certificate registered on the update service (or be willing to apply for a new one).
• Provide two professional, child‑related references covering the last two years.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Prospero Teaching is acting as an employment business/education recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy. The successful candidate will be required to register and pass all safeguarding and vetting checks with Prospero Teaching.