Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) - Behaviour & SEMH Support

Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy; City; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy in the West Midlands is seeking a dedicated HLTA to support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. You will help students access their learning, build positive relationships and contribute to a safe, inclusive classroom environment.

This role is full-time, 37 hours per week, term-time plus five training days. You will work within the Inclusion Support Unit to deliver targeted support and help pupils re-engage with education, while collaborating

Responsibilities

• Support SEMH students to access their learning in the classroom.
• Build positive relationships to help pupils manage emotions and behaviour.
• Collaborate with teachers and specialists to plan and review targeted support.

Job description

Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.

Here at Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy, we are looking for a dedicated and empathetic HLTA to support students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. As HLTA you will have a pivotal role within the department; supporting pupils to access their learning whilst building relationships to help them with their social, emotional and mental health needs.

The role is based on working 37 hours per week for 39 working weeks (school term time plus 5 training days).

About the Academy

Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy is located in the Metropolitan Borough of Sandwell, and in very close proximity to the centre of Birmingham. It is a slightly larger than average, 11-16 co-educational academy with approximately 1,200 students. It has grown over the last few years and is now full and oversubscribed in every year group for the eighth consecutive year. The academy’s reputation locally is excellent. OSCA was graded as a good academy, for the third time in 2023.

The academy has been recognised with a myriad of awards over recent years. These include the Investors In People Gold Award, The Quality In Careers Standard Gold Award, The Basic Skills Quality Mark, and the Artsmark Gold Award. This is a fantastic time to join the vibrant and caring learning community at OSCA.

Our Inclusion Support Unit offers short term, five week placements for students at risk of being excluded from mainstream school. The intervention programme is delivered within a safe and supportive environment for students, with a strong focus on fostering positive and trusting relationships. Students are taught an academic curriculum but with a heavy PSHE focus, and given strategies to cope better in lessons so they can return and complete their education back within mainstream school.

Why work for Ormiston?

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach - they are our greatest asset.

We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, your work will have purpose and meaning

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys…

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before - being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive

• Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children - a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve

• Being part of a team and community where you belong - being part of a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities

• A supportive environment to grow your career - an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits

• Wellbeing is at the core of our people strategy so we offer a range of practical and holistic measures to support your health and wellbeing, from access to emotional support services and retail discounts to salary sacrifice schemes for cars and bicycles available to all OAT employees.

Closing date for applications is 12 October 2026, we may interview and appoint earlier and therefore suggest candidates submit their application as soon as possible.