Semh Teaching Assistant

New Directions; Ledston; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

New Directions Education Ltd is seeking an SEMH Teaching Assistant to support students with SEMH needs across the Leeds area. The role is full-time and involves close collaboration with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams to help learners overcome barriers and succeed.

You will provide one-to-one and small group support, model calm behaviour, and help students regulate emotions while delivering engaging, differentiated activities. A genuine passion for vulnerable young people is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience with SEMH, SEND or behavioural needs.
• Calm, patient and consistent approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Availability to work 5 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to students with SEMH needs.
• Act as a positive role model and build trusted relationships.
• Help students regulate emotions and develop social skills.
• Assist teachers with differentiated learning activities.
• Promote positive behaviour and support strategies.
• Encourage attendance and achievement.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams.
• Support students inside and outside the classroom.

Skills

SEMH experience

Behavioural needs

Communication skills

Resilience

Patience

Job description

Do you have the resilience, empathy and dedication to support young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs?

New Directions Education is currently seeking a passionate and committed SEMH Teaching Assistant to support students within specialist provisions and mainstream secondary schools across the Leeds area. Due to increasing demand, we are looking for individuals who can commit to a full-time schedule and make a lasting impact on the lives of young people who require additional support to succeed both academically and personally.

This rewarding role is ideal for candidates with experience supporting children and young people with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour, autism, ADHD, trauma, or other additional learning needs.

The Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in helping students overcome barriers to learning, build positive relationships and develop the confidence needed to thrive within education.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing one-to-one and small group support to students with SEMH needs
• Building trusted relationships and acting as a positive role model
• Supporting students to regulate emotions and develop social skills
• Assisting teachers in delivering engaging and differentiated learning activities
• Promoting positive behaviour and implementing behaviour support strategies
• Encouraging attendance, participation and achievement
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams
• Supporting students both inside and outside of the classroom environment

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND or behavioural needs
• A calm, consistent and patient approach
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• The ability to remain resilient in challenging situations
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people
• Experience within education, youth work, care, coaching, support work or similar settings is highly desirable
• Availability to work 5 days per week is strongly preferred

Make a Difference Every Day

Working as an SEMH Teaching Assistant is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity to transform lives, inspire confidence, and help young people reach their potential despite the challenges they may face.

If you’re ready for a rewarding role where no two days are the same and every day makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

What New Directions Education Ltd offers:

• A dedicated and expert Account Manager
• Regular and varied supply work
• Competitive rates of pay
• Potential long-term teaching roles
• Full compliance with the Agency Workers Regulation (AWR)
• A network of branches across the UK
• Preferred supplier to more than 20 boroughs across the UK
• Respected reputation across the education and recruitment industry

We are fully committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. All applicants must undertake a full enhanced DBS check.

New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.