SEMH Learning Coach

GSL Education; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading education provider as a SEMH Learning Coach, supporting students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. Your role will involve creating a safe and nurturing environment, delivering tailored interventions, and fostering strong relationships with students and external partners. Be part of a dedicated team committed to transforming lives through innovative, empathetic support. Explore ongoing training and professional growth while making a lasting impact in young people's lives.

Benefits

Ongoing training and access to clinical supervision

Support from a dedicated specialist consultant

Opportunities for career progression

Qualifications

• Experienced in working with children or young people, particularly those with SEMH.
• Calm under pressure, able to manage challenging behaviours.
• Confident in using restorative approaches.

Responsibilities

• Deliver bespoke interventions tailored to individual student needs.
• Support students to build confidence, resilience, and self-regulation.
• Act as a mentor, providing consistent support.

Skills

Empathy

Emotional resilience

Building relationships

Trauma-informed approach

Adaptability

Education

Qualifications in Team Teach, Thrive, or Mental Health First Aid

Job description

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SEMH Learning Coach – Full Time
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only (39 weeks per year)
Start Date: September 2025 or sooner

GSL Education is proud to be working in partnership with a thriving and inclusive secondary school in Portsmouth to recruit a full-time SEMH Learning Coach. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and empathetic individual to support students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them to re-engage with learning and thrive both academically and personally.

At GSL Education, we specialise in matching educators with roles where they can truly make a difference. With experienced consultants who understand the unique demands and rewards of working in specialist education, we’ll be on hand to support you every step of the way, from application through to interview prep and beyond.

The Role

As an SEMH Learning Coach, you will play a vital role in supporting students who may have experienced trauma, disrupted education, or challenging life circumstances. You’ll work closely with teaching staff, pastoral teams, and families to create and maintain a safe, nurturing environment where all learners feel valued and understood.

This is not your typical classroom role. You’ll be:

• Delivering bespoke one-to-one and small-group interventions tailored to individual student needs.
• Supporting pupils in lessons to build confidence, resilience, and self-regulation.
• Acting as a key adult and mentor, providing a consistent and trusted presence for students.
• Helping students to set goals, reflect on progress, and celebrate personal successes.
• Supporting with the development and implementation of Individual Behaviour and Learning Plans (IBLPs).
• De-escalating behaviour in a restorative and therapeutic manner, using techniques like emotion coaching and PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy).
• Working proactively with parents/carers and external agencies to ensure a holistic support network is in place.

About You

We’re looking for someone with a genuine passion for supporting young people with complex needs. The ideal candidate will be:

• Experienced in working with children or young people, particularly those with SEMH, behavioural challenges, or SEND.
• Emotionally resilient, calm under pressure, and able to manage challenging behaviours with compassion and consistency.
• Confident in using trauma-informed and restorative approaches to behaviour.
• Able to build strong relationships with pupils who may initially resist support or adult guidance.
• Adaptable and creative, with the ability to engage students in learning through innovative, hands-on, or alternative approaches.
• Committed to safeguarding, equality, and inclusion in education.

A background in youth work, sports coaching, residential care, or alternative education would be highly advantageous. Qualifications in Team Teach, Thrive, or Mental Health First Aid are a bonus, though not essential.

The school

The school you will be joining is committed to creating a trauma-informed, inclusive learning environment. Staff are dedicated to supporting the whole child – academically, socially, and emotionally. You’ll join a team that places wellbeing, relationships, and restorative practice at the heart of everything they do. The school offers ongoing training, access to clinical supervision, and a culture of collaboration where staff are valued and supported.

Why GSL Education?

• A dedicated, specialist consultant to guide you throughout the recruitment journey.
• Full interview and lesson preparation support, so you feel confident and ready.
• Opportunities to progress within the role and explore further training.
• A genuine focus on finding the right role for you, for long-term impact.

This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to transform lives.
If you believe in the power of relationships, the importance of inclusion, and the potential of every young person we want to hear from you.

Apply now or contact GSL Education today to speak to your dedicated consultant. Let’s take the next step in your career together.