Learning Support Assistant | SEMH

Candl Recruitment Ltd; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Candl Recruitment Ltd is seeking an experienced SEMH Learning Support Assistant to join a specialist education setting in Southend-on-Sea on a long-term basis. The school supports children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs who may have struggled in mainstream education, and you will provide calm, patient support to help pupils engage with learning.

You will work with pupils to manage emotions, model positive behaviour, and build trusting relationships while

Qualifications

• Experience supporting young people with SEMH and challenging behaviour.
• Empathy and the ability to build genuine relationships.
• Confidence in setting and maintaining clear boundaries.
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to tailor support to individual pupil needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent, patient support to help pupils manage emotions and behaviour.
• Support engagement with learning and social development in SEMH settings.
• Build trusted relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries and safety.

Skills

Experience SEMH

Empathy

Boundaries

De-escalation

Resilience

Behaviour as communication

Individualised support

Job description

Learning Support Assistant | SEMH | Southend-on-Sea

Make a real difference to a young person’s day, helping them feel understood, supported and able to succeed.

Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex

Pay: £105 - £120 per day PAYE, depending on experience

Contract: Long-term, full-time

Setting: Specialist SEMH Education

CANDL Recruitment is looking for an experienced SEMH Learning Support Assistant to join a specialist education setting in Southend-on-Sea on a long-term basis.

The school supports children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs who may have struggled within mainstream education.

You will work closely with pupils who require consistent, patient and individualised support, helping them manage their emotions and behaviour, engage with learning and build positive relationships.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience supporting young people with SEMH and challenging behaviour
• Empathy and the ability to build genuine relationships
• Confidence in setting and maintaining clear boundaries
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills
• The ability to remain calm and resilient when situations become challenging
• An understanding that behaviour is often communication
• An understanding that every pupil has different needs and the ability to tailor your support accordingly
• An Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for a new Enhanced DBS

Previous experience within SEMH schools, SEN settings, PRUs, alternative provision, residential childcare, youth work or similar environments would be particularly relevant.

The right person will be calm, confident and consistent. You’ll be able to build trust with young people while maintaining appropriate boundaries and adapting your approach to meet individual needs.

This is a long-term opportunity for someone who wants to become a consistent part of the pupils’ school experience rather than simply covering short-term assignments.