SEMH Teaching Assistant

Teaching Personnel; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 17,527 - 22,140; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term placement

CPD training

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Teaching Personnel, in partnership with a specialist SEMH provision across Liverpool and the Wirral, is recruiting dedicated Teaching Assistants for a September 2026 start to support pupils with SEMH needs on a full-time, long-term basis.

The role offers rewarding opportunities to help young people engage with education, develop socially and emotionally, and achieve positive outcomes within a structured, safe environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in education is beneficial; candidates from related backgrounds are welcome.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs
• Build positive, professional relationships to promote trust and engagement
• Support students in managing emotions, behaviour and social interactions
• Assist in implementing individual behaviour support plans and intervention strategies
• Encourage participation in learning and help pupils overcome barriers to education
• Promote positive behaviour and model coping strategies
• Support students in classroom and unstructured times throughout the day
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, pastoral teams and external professionals
• Monitor and record pupil progress and developments
• Uphold safeguarding procedures and promote wellbeing of all students

Skills

Strong communication

Resilience

Behaviour management

Relationship-building

Education

GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above)

Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification

Tools

DBS Update Service

Job description

Location: Liverpool & Wirral (multiple school sites)
Start Date: September 2026
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Long-term placement
Pay: £95-£120 per day (dependent on experience)

Teaching Personnel is working in partnership with a specialist SEMH provision with multiple sites across Liverpool and the Wirral, supporting their recruitment for September 2026.

We are seeking dedicated, resilient, and compassionate Teaching Assistants to support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs on a full-time, long-term basis. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people who require additional support to engage with education and achieve positive outcomes.

The provision supports students who may present with a range of needs, including SEMH difficulties, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, trauma-related behaviours, attachment needs, anxiety, and challenging behaviour. As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in helping pupils develop socially, emotionally, and academically within a supportive and structured environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs
• Build positive, professional relationships that promote trust and engagement
• Support students in managing emotions, behaviour, and social interactions
• Assist in implementing individual behaviour support plans and intervention strategies
• Encourage participation in learning and support pupils in overcoming barriers to education
• Promote positive behaviour and model appropriate coping strategies
• Support students both in the classroom and during unstructured times throughout the school day
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, pastoral teams, and external professionals
• Monitor and record pupil progress, achievements, and behavioural developments
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment
• Uphold safeguarding procedures and promote the wellbeing of all students

Qualifications and experience

• Experience within education is beneficial; however, we also welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in:
• Youth work
• Residential care
• Children's support work
• Mental health support
• Sports coaching
• Behaviour mentoring
• Community outreach
• Alternative provisions
• Social care settings

• Experience working with children or young people in a professional capacity
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to remain calm, adaptable, and resilient in challenging situations
• Confidence supporting students with behavioural, emotional, or additional learning needs
• A proactive and nurturing approach to behaviour management
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)
• Right to work in the UK
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent)

• Previous experience supporting pupils with SEMH needs
• Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification
• Experience within alternative provisions, special schools, or behaviour support settings
• Team Teach, MAPA, PRICE, or other de-escalation training
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and attachment-aware approaches
• Up-to-date safeguarding and child protection knowledge

Benefits

• Long-term opportunities across Liverpool and the Wirral
• Competitive daily rates of pay
• Ongoing CPD and specialist SEMH training
• Dedicated support from an experienced Education Consultant
• Opportunity to secure a permanent position within the provision
• Chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people