SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) Learning Support Assistant

ARK SCHOOLS; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Portsmouth is seeking a compassionate Trauma SEMH Practitioner to support children’s emotional wellbeing and provide specialist interventions. This role involves collaborating with staff, families, and external agencies to create a safe and nurturing environment. Ideal candidates are motivated, prioritize relational practices, and are committed to developing children's self-esteem and social inclusion. Competitive benefits and a supportive working environment are offered.

Benefits

Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale

Twice as many training days

Generous pension scheme

Access to Ark rewards

Interest-free loans

Gym discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Motivated and nurturing individual.
• Commitment to relational culture and restorative practice.
• Experience working with children with SEMH needs.

Responsibilities

• Support children with SEMH needs.
• Deliver targeted interventions.
• Work closely with families and professionals.

Skills

Supporting emotional wellbeing

Building strong relationships

Tailoring support

Job description

Overview

Location: Portsmouth

Salary: £24,790 - £27,711

Contract: Permanent (Term-Time only)

Closing: 5th January 2026

Note: We will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience.

About The Role

Are you passionate about supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and helping them thrive in school? We are seeking a motivated and nurturing individual to join our team as a Trauma SEMH Practitioner.

A commitment to building strong, trusted relationships with children, staff, and families is essential, as this role is central to our relational culture and restorative practice approach. You will work closely with pupils, staff, families, and external agencies to provide tailored support and interventions that make a real difference.

Purpose of the Role

To provide specialist support for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, particularly those who have experienced trauma or present with complex behaviour. The role involves delivering targeted interventions, supporting staff in managing SEMH, and working closely with families and external agencies to ensure children can access learning and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.

The Role Will

• Work with class teachers to raise the learning and attainment of pupils.
• Promote children's independence, self-esteem, and social inclusion.
• Support children individually or in groups so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning, and experience success.
• Proactively develop provision to meet the needs of children.
• Be child-centred and led in all approaches.
• Support our nurture provision, playing an active role in helping children reintegrate successfully into class.
• Provide high-quality pastoral support for children with SEMH needs to promote high expectations, raise aspirations, and facilitate strong SEMH and academic progress.

Benefits

• Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
• Twice as many training days as standard.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers
• Interest-free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
• Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.

Find out more about the benefits of working for Ark at arkonline.org/careers/why-work-with-us/.

About Us

Ark Dickens is a lovely school in the heart of Portsmouth. We are a two-form entry primary academy, which became part of the Ark network in September 2014. We are a school with high aspirations and expectations to ‘Be Our Best’ in all that we do. This reflects our ethos of ensuring every child is provided with every opportunity to reach their potential.

At our school, staff wellbeing and support is of paramount importance to us. Staff are given countless opportunities as well as tailored training geared towards individual professional development. We offer a collaborative setting ensuring that staff receive responsive feedback and colleagues are encouraged to learn from one another. Hard work will never go unappreciated at Ark Dickens, where there is a spirit of recognition and reward. Our school is a rewarding and fulfilling place to work.

Visit arkdickensprimary.org/jobs to learn more about us and see our current vacancies.

Diversity and inclusion

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective.

Safeguarding statement

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.