Mental Health Support Worker

Gsl Education; Merley; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Specialist facilities

Supportive staff team

Small class sizes

Job summary

Gsl Education is recruiting a Mental Health Support Worker for a specialist school in Winton. You will work with pupils with Autism and emotional wellbeing needs, providing 1:1 and small-group support to help them engage with learning.

Join a calm, nurturing environment with small class sizes where staff collaborate with teachers and pastoral teams to deliver personalised care, behaviour support and developmental activities throughout the school day.

Qualifications

• Caring, compassionate and empathetic.
• Patient and understanding.
• Passionate about supporting children and young people's mental health and wellbeing.
• Calm and confident when supporting pupils with complex emotional and behavioural needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group emotional and wellbeing support.
• Support pupils with Autism, anxiety, emotional regulation and additional needs.
• Help pupils manage their emotions and develop positive coping strategies.
• Recognise changes in behaviour or emotional wellbeing and communicate concerns.

Skills

Compassionate

Empathetic

Patience

Adaptable

Communication

Teamwork

Job description

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with their mental health and emotional wellbeing, and looking for a rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference?

We are looking for a caring, compassionate and resilient Mental Health Support Worker to join a specialist school in Winton, supporting pupils with Autism, social, emotional and mental health needs, and a range of additional needs.

The school provides a calm, nurturing and supportive learning environment, with small class sizes and high staff-to-student ratios. This allows pupils to receive personalised care and support tailored to their individual needs, helping them feel safe, understood, confident and ready to engage with learning.

The Role

As a Mental Health Support Worker, you will work closely with teachers, pastoral staff and the wider school team to support pupils with their emotional wellbeing, mental health and personal development.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group emotional and wellbeing support
• Supporting pupils with Autism, anxiety, emotional regulation and additional needs
• Helping pupils manage their emotions and develop positive coping strategies
• Supporting children and young people who may experience anxiety, distress or emotional difficulties
• Building positive, trusting and consistent relationships with pupils
• Providing reassurance and emotional support throughout the school day
• Helping pupils develop confidence, resilience and self-esteem
• Supporting social development, communication and positive interactions
• Recognising changes in behaviour or emotional wellbeing and communicating concerns appropriately
• Supporting pupils during periods of dysregulation or distress using calm and appropriate strategies
• Encouraging independence and helping pupils develop practical life skills
• Promoting positive behaviour and maintaining a safe, calm and supportive environment
• Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams and other professionals
• Contributing to individual support plans and strategies where appropriate
• Helping pupils feel safe, valued and supported within the school environment

About the School

This is a specialist Autism provision offering a purpose-designed and supportive learning environment for children and young people across a range of age groups.

The school benefits from small classes and a high level of staffing, enabling pupils to receive individualised support and encouragement throughout the school day.

The provision includes a range of specialist facilities and spaces designed to support pupils' sensory, educational, social and emotional development.

Staff work as a close-knit team to create a consistent and nurturing environment where pupils can develop their confidence, emotional wellbeing and independence.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is:

• Caring, compassionate and empathetic
• Patient and understanding
• Passionate about supporting children and young people's mental health and wellbeing
• Calm and confident when supporting pupils with complex emotional and behavioural needs
• Understanding of Autism, anxiety or mental health needs, or keen to develop their knowledge and experience
• Able to build strong, positive and trusting relationships
• Resilient and emotionally mature
• Able to remain calm during challenging situations
• A strong communicator and team player
• Positive, adaptable and willing to think creatively
• Committed to helping young people develop confidence, resilience and independence

Previous experience working within a mental health, SEN, Autism, pastoral, care or specialist education setting is desirable, but not essential.

We are also keen to hear from candidates with transferable experience, including those who have worked in support work, care, youth work, education or other roles involving vulnerable children and young people, who have the right attitude and a genuine passion for making a difference.

Why Apply?

• Work within a specialist SEN and Autism setting
• Support children and young people with their emotional wellbeing
• Small class sizes and high staff-to-student ratios
• Calm and supportive working environment
• Access to specialist facilities
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience supporting mental health and SEN
• Supportive and dedicated staff team
• Develop valuable skills in emotional wellbeing, behaviour and pastoral support
• A rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference every day

If you're passionate about supporting children and young people with their mental health, emotional wellbeing and personal development, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.