SEMH Teaching Assistant

Teaching Personnel; Greater London; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Thrive CPD training

Competitive pay

Job summary

Teaching Personnel is seeking dedicated Mental Health Support Assistants to support SEMH provisions across Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Islington.

You will assist with emotional regulation, build trusting relationships, and work with teachers and pastoral teams; Thrive CPD training is provided to develop practical skills for trauma-informed practice and positive behaviour support.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or individuals with additional needs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patient, resilient and empathetic approach.
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Genuine passion for supporting mental health and SEND.

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils with SEMH needs, anxiety, trauma and attachment difficulties.
• Assisting with emotional regulation and behaviour support strategies.
• Building positive and trusting relationships with vulnerable young people.
• Supporting students both in and outside the classroom.
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, therapists and pastoral teams.
• Encouraging engagement, confidence, resilience and independence.
• Helping pupils access learning and achieve their individual targets.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Patient and empathetic

Calm under pressure

Passion for mental health/SEND

Education

Psychology/Counselling/Social Work background

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney & Islington
Competitive day rates - PAYE

Are you passionate about supporting young people's mental health and wellbeing?

Teaching Personnel is working with specialist SEN schools, SEMH provisions and alternative education settings across Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Islington that are seeking dedicated Mental Health Support Assistants.

As part of our commitment to providing schools with high quality support staff, candidates placed through Teaching Personnel have access to the Thrive Approach: Introductory Skills & Strategies training. This specialist CPD equips educators with practical, relationship-based strategies to support all learners, particularly those with SEND and additional needs. Thrive-trained staff are equipped to build positive relationships, understand the reasons behind behaviours, and help create calm, safe and nurturing learning environments from day one.

This opportunity is ideal for Psychology graduates, aspiring Educational Psychologists, Counsellors, Therapists, Youth Workers and Mental Health Practitioners looking to gain valuable experience within specialist education settings.

The Role

• Supporting pupils with SEMH needs, anxiety, trauma and attachment difficulties
• Assisting with emotional regulation and behaviour support strategies
• Building positive and trusting relationships with vulnerable young people
• Supporting students both in and outside the classroom
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, therapists and pastoral teams
• Encouraging engagement, confidence, resilience and independence
• Helping pupils access learning and achieve their individual targets

The Ideal Candidate

• A background in Psychology, Counselling, Criminology, Social Work, Youth Work or a related field is desirable
• Experience working with children, young people or individuals with additional needs
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A patient, resilient and empathetic approach
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations
• A genuine passion for supporting mental health and SEND

Why Join Through Teaching Personnel?

• Gain valuable experience within specialist SEN and SEMH settings
• Access specialist CPD, including the Thrive Approach: Introductory Skills & Strategies
• Develop practical skills in emotional literacy, trauma-informed practice and positive behaviour support
• Work alongside experienced education, therapy and pastoral professionals
• Competitive daily rates and long-term placements available
• Opportunities to progress into Educational Psychology, Counselling, Therapy, Mental Health Services, Social Work or Teaching
• Flexible opportunities across a variety of specialist provisions and schools

This role is particularly suited to individuals considering a future career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health Services, Social Work or Teaching.