SEMH Teaching Assistant - Specialist Secondary School

Veritas Education; Bradford; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

80+ CPD online training courses

Opportunities across SEN, Primary, and

Secondary

Job summary

Veritas Education is recruiting SEMH Teaching Assistants to support pupils in a specialist secondary setting across Bradford. You will work with staff to provide tailored support to students aged 11-19 with SEMH needs in a trauma-informed environment.

Experience in specialist education or youth work is valued. You will use calm de-escalation techniques, build relationships, and help pupils develop social skills, emotional regulation and independence.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting young people with SEMH needs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches and ACEs.
• Proficient in de-escalation and behaviour management.
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils.
• Calm, patient, and consistent under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs.
• Support pupils who experience emotional dysregulation, anxiety, challenging behaviour and engagement difficulties.
• Build positive, trusting relationships through consistent and supportive interactions.
• Apply trauma-informed approaches to understand pupils' experiences and behaviours.
• Implement positive behaviour strategies and appropriate de-escalation techniques.
• Support pupils to develop emotional regulation, resilience and coping strategies.
• Encourage engagement with classroom activities and help pupils overcome barriers to learning.
• Support development of social skills, communication and peer relationships.
• Promote independence, self-esteem and preparation for adulthood.
• Collaborate with teachers, pastoral teams and other professionals to provide consistent support.

Skills

SEMH experience

Trauma-informed practice

De-escalation strategies

Relationship-building

Patience and consistency

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Specialist Secondary School

Locations: Bradford CityWorking Hours: Monday - Friday, Term TimeSalary: £93 - £115 per day (dependent on experience)

Make a Difference Beyond the Classroom!

Veritas Education are currently recruiting passionate, resilient and dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistants to support pupils within a specialist secondary setting operating across Bradford.

Supporting young people aged 11-19 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, these SEN schools provide a structured, nurturing and trauma-informed educational environment where pupils are encouraged to overcome barriers, rebuild confidence and achieve their potential.

We are looking for individuals who understand that behaviour is a form of communication and who can offer patience, consistency and encouragement to young people who may have experienced challenges that impact their education and emotional wellbeing.

Whether you have experience in specialist education, residential care, youth work or behavioural support, this is an opportunity to use your skills to make a genuine difference.

The Role - What Will You Be Doing?

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work alongside teaching and pastoral staff to provide tailored support to pupils throughout their school day.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Supporting young people who may experience emotional dysregulation, anxiety, challenging behaviour and difficulties engaging with education.
• Building positive, trusting relationships through consistent and supportive interactions.
• Using trauma-informed approaches to understand pupils' individual experiences and behaviours.
• Implementing positive behaviour strategies and appropriate de-escalation techniques.
• Supporting pupils to develop emotional regulation, resilience and positive coping strategies.
• Encouraging engagement with classroom activities and helping pupils overcome barriers to learning.
• Supporting the development of social skills, communication and positive relationships with peers.
• Promoting independence, self-esteem and preparation for adulthood.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams and wider professionals to provide consistent support.

What Are We Looking For?

We are particularly interested in candidates who have:

• Previous experience supporting young people with SEMH needs.
• Experience working with challenging behaviour and emotional dysregulation.
• An understanding of trauma-informed practice and the impact of adverse childhood experiences.
• Confidence using positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.
• The ability to remain calm, patient and consistent in challenging situations.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• A genuine passion for supporting young people who may have struggled within mainstream education.

Relevant experience could include:

• Specialist SEMH or alternative provision schools.
• Residential children's homes.
• Youth work and mentoring.
• Behaviour support and pastoral roles.
• Mental health and emotional wellbeing support.
• Community support work.

Why Choose Veritas Education:

• Market leading Education Recruitment company covering the West Yorkshire area.
• Over 80 different CPD online training courses available to all our supply, long term and permanent staff members.
• A range of different work avenues across SEN, Primary, Secondary and Early Years.
• An experienced consultant available at all times to help with any queries, questions or support in your next career steps!

For further information, please contact

Hannah Gartshore - [e-mail]

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VERITAS EDUCATION

• All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy
• Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained
• You must have legal right to work in the UK
• You must be willing to attend a registration interview

Veritas Education work with a variety of schools covering a wide geographical area. We deal with teaching placements at Primary, Secondary and college level as well as support staff positions also within these.

Disclaimer

'Nothing within the above advert was in any way designed or intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Veritas Education is an Equal opportunities employer and is proud in the knowledge that all placements are made on merit and suitability. We accept applications from all sections of the community.'