(HLTA) - Behaviour & Intervention Specialist

Tradewind Recruitment LTD.; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment LTD. is seeking an experienced HLTA Behaviour & Intervention Specialist for a secondary academy in Blackpool. You will lead targeted academic and behavioural interventions for KS3-4 pupils facing SEMH needs or disengagement, working with SENDCo and pastoral leads.

The role focuses on running the Inclusion Hub, de-escalation, restorative practices, and reintegration into mainstream classrooms, with CPD and progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• HLTA status (Level 4 equivalent) or a relevant degree / Level 3 Supporting Teaching & Learning with extensive secondary experience.
• Experience with secondary students (11-16) displaying challenging behaviour or SEMH needs.
• Desirable Team-Teach or MAPA or equivalent de-escalation training.
• Enhanced DBS on Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver and evaluate 1:1 and small-group academic and behavioural interventions across KS3 and KS4.
• Support the Inclusion Hub / reflect-and-repair room to provide a calm, structured environment.
• Use positive behaviour management and restorative practice to de-escalate crises.
• Provide high-quality whole-class cover when required, maintaining routines and engagement.
• Monitor attendance, engagement and behaviour data; support EHCP reviews and pastoral meetings.
• Collaborate with parents and external agencies (e.g., CAMHS, local authority teams, youth services).

Skills

HLTA status or Level 4 equivalent

De-escalation techniques

Interpersonal skills

Safeguarding awareness

Education

Level 3 Supporting Teaching & Learning or relevant degree

Job description

About the Role

Are you an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) or Behaviour Specialist with a proven track record of re-engaging young people?A forward-thinking secondary academy in Blackpool is seeking a committed and resilient HLTA Behaviour & Intervention Specialist to join their Inclusion and Pastoral team. In this pivotal role, you will lead targeted academic and behavioural interventions, supporting Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students who face barriers to their learning, social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, or who are at risk of disengagement.Working closely with the SENDCo, Pastoral Leads, and Heads of Year, you will help run the school's Inclusion Hub-designing bespoke reintegration plans that de-escalate crisis situations and get students back thriving in mainstream classrooms.

Key Responsibilities

• Targeted Interventions: Plan, deliver, and evaluate 1:1 and small-group academic and behavioural interventions across KS3 and KS4 (literacy, numeracy, emotional regulation, anger management, and social skills).
• Inclusion Hub Management: Support the day-to-day operation of the internal inclusion base / reflect-and-repair room, providing a calm, structured, and restorative environment.
• Behaviour for Learning & De-escalation: Use positive behaviour management strategies and restorative practice to de-escalate heightened situations and support pupils through crisis.
• Whole-Class Cover: Step in to provide high-quality whole-class cover when required, maintaining strong routines, consistency, and engagement across various subject areas.
• Pupil Tracking & Collaboration: Monitor and record student attendance, engagement, and behaviour data; provide constructive feedback for EHCP reviews, PEP meetings, and pastoral review panels.
• Multi-Agency & Parent Liaison: Build trusting partnerships with parents/carers and work collaboratively with external agencies (e.g., CAMHS, local authority teams, youth services).

Candidate Requirements

• Qualifications: HLTA status (Level 4 equivalent) or a relevant degree / Level 3 Supporting Teaching & Learning with extensive secondary experience.
• Experience: Proven track record working with secondary-age students (11-16) displaying challenging behaviour, SEMH needs, ADHD, ASC, or trauma-related difficulties.
• De-escalation Training: Team-Teach, MAPA, or equivalent positive handling and de-escalation certification is highly desirable (training can be provided).
• Interpersonal Skills: Calm, firm, and authoritative, with natural empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental approach.
• Safeguarding: A commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children. A valid Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to complete one) is mandatory.

What the School Offers

• A supportive, close-knit pastoral and inclusion team committed to staff well-being.
• Comprehensive ongoing CPD, including certified trauma-informed practice and de-escalation training.
• Clear internal pathways for career progression (e.g., pastoral leadership, specialist SEND routes, or teacher training).
• State-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated, purpose-built inclusion space.