Mental Health Support Assistant

GSL Education; Poole; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

GSL Education is seeking a dedicated Mental Health Support Assistant for a local school in Lytchett Minster. In this pivotal role, you will support students with mental health challenges, collaborate with teachers, and ensure a nurturing environment that fosters emotional and social development. The school community is highly supportive, focusing on inclusivity and personal growth through a wide-ranging curriculum and extracurricular activities. This position is a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of students facing complex challenges.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people, especially managing challenging behaviours.
• Willingness to drive to the school is preferred; personal transport is an advantage.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection essential.

Responsibilities

• Support students facing mental health challenges and assist them in navigating education.
• Implement tailored assistance according to each student's EHCP.
• Create a nurturing atmosphere that promotes mental well-being and independence.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Proactive approach

Ability to manage challenging behaviours

Collaboration within a multidisciplinary team

Job description

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Are you a dedicated and compassionate individual with a passion for supporting students with diverse needs, particularly in the areas of Mental Health, Anxiety, and Behaviour? GSL Education have an exciting opportunity for a Mental Health Support Assistant in local school based in Lytchett Minster.

About the School:

The school is a warm, ambitious community, proudly rated ‘Good’ by OFSTED, where every student is supported to thrive regardless of background or ability. High standards, respectful behaviour, and a strong work ethic are central to school life with students benefiting from excellent teaching and a supportive house system that fosters a real sense of belonging. The broad curriculum helps shape well-rounded, knowledgeable individuals, while a wide range of extracurricular activities spanning sports, the arts and more encourages personal growth beyond the classroom. Set in beautiful surroundings with both historic charm and modern facilities, the school offers an inspiring place to learn. With a focus on building confidence, independence and a love of learning, the school prepares students for life beyond education, guided by a caring and forward-thinking leadership team.

About the Role:

As a Mental Health Support Assistant, you'll support students facing mental health challenges, helping them navigate their education. Collaborating with teachers and families, you'll create a nurturing environment that addresses each student's emotional needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver tailored assistance to students with complex needs related to mental health, anxiety, and behaviour, ensuring effective implementation of their EHCPs.
• Work alongside teaching staff to develop an inclusive and engaging curriculum that addresses mental health and behavioural challenges across various subjects, including outdoor education.
• Create a nurturing learning atmosphere that promotes social, emotional, and mental well-being, specifically targeting anxiety and behavioural issues.
• Dispense medications in accordance with school policy and specialist techniques, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
• Provide intimate and personal care, including hygiene and bathing, while maintaining the highest standards of dignity and respect.
• Encourage and enable students to achieve a high level of independence in daily activities.
• Under the direction of the class teacher, support students in engaging in classroom activities to their fullest potential, employing appropriate total communication techniques.

Requirements:

• Willingness to drive to the school is preferred, and having personal transport will be considered an added advantage.
• Previous experience of working with children or young people, particularly in managing challenging behaviours.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Empathy, patience, and a proactive approach to supporting students.
• Commitment to promoting positive behavioural outcomes and inclusivity.
• A patient and understanding approach, when facing challenging behaviour.
• A proactive and open mindset, working in a multidisciplinary team.

Additional Information:

• All students of the SEMH setting will have an EHCP, emphasising the personalised approach to their education.
• The school setting encourages a deviation across the curriculum, including more outdoor education opportunities tailored to address students’ diverse needs.
• While the challenges can be significant, the role offers immense satisfaction in contributing to the growth and development of students facing complex hurdles, particularly in the areas of Mental Health, Anxiety, and Behaviour.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of students with diverse needs, and possess the qualities mentioned above, we invite you to apply as a Mental Health Support Assistant in Lytchett Minster. To apply, please send your CV now!

To work with GSL Education as Mental Health Support Assistant, you should:

• Have the right to work in the UK.
• Have an up-to-date CV with two relevant references from within the last 2 years.
• Have a DBS registered to the update service or be happy to apply for one with GSL Education.

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection, and successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS on the update service.

For more information, please contact elliott.dawsongsleducation at GSL Education as soon as possible. To work with GSL Education as a Mental Health Support Assistant, please apply via the application link or visit gsleducationto apply online.