Mental Health Support Worker

Protocol Education Ltd; South Shields; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist school in South Shields is seeking a dedicated SEMH Support Assistant to support young people with social, emotional, and behavioural challenges. The role involves providing individual and small group support to pupils, fostering emotional regulation, and assisting teachers. Candidates should have experience working with vulnerable children and be ready to make a positive impact in students' lives.

Benefits

Weekly pay and flexible payment options

Access to free CPD and accredited training courses

Ongoing guidance from a specialist consultant

Opportunities to progress into permanent roles

Free online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with vulnerable children or young people is essential.
• Understanding the impact of trauma and adverse childhood experiences is required.
• Must be willing to apply for a DBS check if not already registered.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs.
• Helping pupils develop emotional regulation strategies and resilience.
• Assisting teachers in delivering tailored lessons that meet individual needs.

Skills

Empathy

Collaboration

Calmness under pressure

Education

Experience working with vulnerable children

DBS on the Update Service

Job description

SEMH Support Assistant – South Shields
Location: South Shields
Start Date: September 2025
Contract Type: Full-Time, Term-Time Only
Daily Rate: £89 - £108 (dependent on experience)

Are you passionate about supporting young people who face social, emotional, and behavioural challenges? Protocol Education are working with a specialist school in South Shields to recruit a dedicated SEMH Support Assistant to join their team from September.

This school provides a safe and supportive learning environment for students aged 7 to 16 who have additional social, emotional, and mental health needs. Many pupils have experienced trauma or disrupted education, and the school focuses on helping them re-engage with learning and build trust with adults.

Your Role Will Include:

• Providing 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs

• Supporting teachers in delivering tailored lessons that meet individual needs

• Helping pupils develop emotional regulation strategies and build resilience

• Assisting in managing behaviour using a consistent, calm, and restorative approach

• Encouraging pupil participation and celebrating progress, however small

We’re Looking for Someone Who:

• Has previous experience working with vulnerable children or young people

• Understands the impact of trauma, adverse childhood experiences, or unmet needs

• Remains calm under pressure and responds with empathy and consistency

• Can work collaboratively as part of a committed, multidisciplinary team

• Has a DBS on the Update Service (or is willing to apply)

What We Offer:

• Weekly pay and flexible payment options

• Access to free CPD and accredited training courses

• Ongoing guidance from your own specialist consultant

• Opportunities to progress into permanent roles or gain SEND qualifications

If you’re ready to make a real difference in a child’s life, we want to hear from you. Apply today to join a team that values every small step forward.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.