SEMH Support Assistant - Sunderland

Education World Ltd; North East; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay via PAYE

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Education World is seeking a compassionate SEMH Support Assistant for our Sunderland-based secondary provision. You will deliver one-to-one and small-group support to students with SEMH needs, promoting engagement and emotional regulation.

The role offers full-time and flexible options, weekly PAYE wages, and a supportive consultancy. You will work with families, staff and professionals to deliver tailored strategies and monitor progress to improve attendance and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working with young people with SEMH and challenging behaviour.
• Ability to build trust with vulnerable students and support engagement.
• Current enhanced DBS check on the Update Service or willing to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to secondary students with SEMH needs.
• Build positive relationships with disengaged or vulnerable learners.
• Develop and deliver individualised strategies to promote engagement and resilience.
• Support emotional regulation, coping skills, and readiness to participate in education.
• Collaborate with families, school staff, and other professionals for a coordinated approach.
• Apply de-escalation techniques and effective behaviour management during challenging situations.
• Facilitate activities that develop social skills and emotional well-being.
• Act as a positive role model and advocate for students.
• Monitor and record progress and provide feedback to stakeholders.

Skills

SEMH experience

Behaviour management

Empathy and resilience

Excellent communication

DBS Update Service

Job description

SEMH Support Assistant – Secondary

Sunderland | Full Time & Flexible Options Available

We are seeking a compassionate, resilient, and experienced SEMH Support Assistant to support secondary age students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs who display avoidant and challenging behaviour.

This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated professional who can build trusting relationships with vulnerable young people, helping them overcome barriers to engagement and supporting them to access their education successfully. The successful candidate will work directly with students who may be school-avoidant or at risk of exclusion, delivering tailored support that promotes positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and educational progress.

The Role:

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to secondary age students with SEMH needs who display avoidant and challenging behaviour
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people who may be disengaged, vulnerable, or facing complex emotional and behavioural challenges
• Develop and deliver individualised support strategies that address avoidance, promote engagement, and build resilience
• Support students to develop emotional regulation skills, positive coping strategies, and readiness to participate in their education
• Work collaboratively with families, school staff, and other professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to support
• Implement de-escalation techniques and behaviour management strategies during challenging situations
• Facilitate activities that develop social skills, confidence, and emotional wellbeing
• Act as a positive role model and advocate for the young people you support
• Monitor and record student progress, providing feedback to relevant stakeholders

The Ideal Candidate Will:

• Have proven experience working with young people with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour, ideally in secondary education settings
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the factors that contribute to school avoidance and challenging behaviour in young people
• Be confident managing challenging behaviour and implementing de-escalation strategies
• Be patient, empathetic, resilient, and able to remain calm under pressure
• Have excellent communication skills and the ability to build rapport with hard-to-reach young people
• Have a current enhanced DBS check on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one
• Desirable:A recognised qualification in behaviour management, trauma-informed practice, or mental health support

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people
• Varied and rewarding role supporting students with complex needs
• Flexible working arrangements– Full time and flexible options available
• Supportive team environment with access to supervision and professional development
• Opportunity to contribute to positive outcomes and successful educational engagement
• Weekly pay via PAYE with no hidden deductions
• Ongoing support from a dedicated education consultant

Why Work with Education World?

• REC Audited Education Status– Recognised for the highest recruitment standards
• Weekly Pay– Paid every Friday, always on time
• PAYE Only– No umbrella companies or hidden fees
• Free CPD Opportunities– Access to professional development
• Rated 4.9 on Trustpilot– Trusted by hundreds of education professionals
• Dedicated Consultants– Local knowledge and ongoing support
• Candidate-First Approach– Your availability, preferences, and wellbeing always come first
• Referral Bonus– Recommend a friend and earn uncapped rewards (T&Cs apply)

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and candidates to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and compliance checks in line with regulatory requirements and the REC Code of Professional Practice.

Education World is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.