SEMH Support Assistant

AMA Admin; Birtley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay with temp-to-perm

APSCo Compliance+ eligible

Culture-matched placements

Access to Milk Academy CPD

PSHE lesson plans & resources

Educator wellbeing resources

Personal consultant support

Job summary

Milk Education is seeking a SEMH Support Assistant to work with pupils aged 11-16 with social, emotional and mental health needs in a school setting in Birtley, Gateshead. The role emphasises fostering emotional regulation, engagement and safeguarding throughout the day.

You will be part of a supportive staff team, receiving guidance from senior leadership and enjoying a structured, pupil-centred environment with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Recent experience in a school, alternative provision or youth work setting is desirable but not essential.
• Solid numeracy and literacy skills.
• Calm, empathetic approach with the ability to remain positive in challenging situations.
• Ability to work proactively, both independently and as part of a team.
• Enhanced DBS certificate on the update service (or willingness to apply).

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent 1:1 and small group support for pupils aged 11-16 with social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships that encourage engagement and resilience.
• Support students to regulate emotions and use positive behaviour strategies.
• Work with teachers and pastoral staff to deliver personalised learning activities and adapt resources.
• Promote a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment where every student feels respected and able to succeed.

Skills

Numeracy

Literacy

Empathy

Resilience

Teamwork

DBS check

Job description

SEMH Support Assistant

Location: Birtley, Gateshead

Working hours: 8.30am-3.30pm Monday to Friday

Start date: September 2026

Milk Education are recruiting for a SEMH Support Assistant to work with teenagers with adverse childhood experiences and guide them on their journey within their schooling environment.

The school predominantly caters for children aged 11-16 who have social, emotional and mental health needs. This role requires a high level of resilience, patience and empathy for those who can show dysregulated behaviours and have trauma responses. This setting is a highly supportive work environment and you will have the full support of the wider staff team and exceptional senior leadership.

Your role as a SEMH Support Assistant is to support the students with emotional regulation and gently encourage them to access their learning in a way which meets their needs.

SEMH Support Assistant Key Responsibilities:

• Provide consistent 1:1 and small group support for pupils aged from 11-16 years old with a range of social, emotional and mental health needs
• Building positive, trusting relationships that encourage engagement, confidence and resilience
• Supporting students to regulate their emotions and use positive behaviour strategies
• Working alongside teachers and pastoral staff to deliver personalised learning activities and adapt resources to meet individual needs
• Promoting a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment where every student feels respected, understood and able to succeed

SEMH Support Assistant Person Specification:

• Recent experience working in a school, alternative provision or youth work setting is desirable but not essential
• Experienced Support Workers who are open to working with children would also fit this role perfectly due to the needs of the young people who attend this school
• Solid numeracy and literacy skills
• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people
• A calm, resilient and empathetic approach, with the ability to remain positive in challenging situations
• Ability to work proactively, both independently and as part of a team
• An Enhanced DBS certificate on the update service (or willingness to apply)

Benefits:

• Competitive rates of pay with temp-to-perm routes available
• Speedy registration process & fast-track compliance - APSCo Compliance+ accredited for the highest safer recruitment standards
• Culture-matched placements - we take the time to understand you and find schools that fit your values and strengths
• Priority Partnership school network - access to trusted schools who work with us long-term on staffing, enrichment and community initiatives
• 5+ CPD courses completed before placement (including Safeguarding, SEND & Behaviour) with access to further accredited training through the Milk Academy
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources, designed by real teachers
• FREE Educator Wellbeing resources and access to our community hub - because we believe supported staff stay longer and make a bigger impact
• School Preparation Pack with handover notes and insightful school guides - so you walk in ready on day one
• 24/7 support from your personal consultant, directly through their work mobile phone to ensure your journey is personal

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited, meeting the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe