SEMH & Trauma-Informed Teaching Assistant - Specialist School

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

Job summary

Veritas Education is seeking compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistants for a specialist setting in Keighley. You will provide 1:1 and small‑group support to young people with SEMH needs aged 11–19, building trusting relationships in a trauma‑informed environment.

The role focuses on emotional wellbeing, resilience and educational progress. You will work with teaching, pastoral and therapeutic staff to deliver consistent, individualized support, using de‑escalation techniques and a calm, patient

Qualifications

• Experience supporting young people with SEMH needs, trauma or complex emotional difficulties.
• Understanding ACEs and how trauma can impact behaviour, relationships and learning.
• Experience supporting challenging behaviour and emotional dysregulation.
• DBS check is mandatory and support will be provided to obtain it.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small‑group support to pupils with complex SEMH needs.
• Build meaningful relationships with pupils who may have trauma or instability.
• Use trauma‑informed approaches to respond to emotional needs and behaviour.
• Help pupils recognise and manage their feelings via emotional regulation strategies.
• Support learning and social development while promoting resilience and confidence.
• Collaborate with teaching and therapy staff to provide consistent support.

Skills

SEMH experience

Trauma-informed

Calm and patient

Communication skills

Education

Level 2 English & maths

Job description

SEMH & Trauma-Informed Teaching Assistant - Specialist School

Location: Keighley, West YorkshireWorking Hours: Monday - Friday, Term TimeSalary: £93 - £115 per day (dependent on experience)

Be the Difference. Build Trust. Change Futures.

Veritas Education are looking for compassionate, resilient and committed individuals to join a specialist educational setting in Keighley.

Supporting young people aged 11-19 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, this is an opportunity to work within a nurturing, therapeutic and trauma-informed environment where building relationships is at the heart of everything.

Some young people experience significant barriers to education as a result of adverse childhood experiences, emotional difficulties, anxiety and challenging circumstances. They need more than classroom support - they need consistent adults who can offer understanding, encouragement and the opportunity to rebuild their confidence.

We are looking for individuals who can recognise the importance of understanding the reasons behind behaviour, rather than simply responding to what they see.

What Will You Be Doing?

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting pupils' emotional wellbeing, personal development and educational progress.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to young people with complex SEMH needs.
• Building meaningful, trusting relationships with pupils who may have experienced trauma, instability or difficult personal circumstances.
• Using trauma-informed and nurturing approaches to understand behaviour and respond to individual emotional needs.
• Supporting pupils to recognise, communicate and manage their feelings through emotional regulation strategies.
• Helping young people develop positive coping mechanisms, resilience and self-belief.
• Supporting pupils during periods of heightened anxiety, frustration or emotional dysregulation.
• Using appropriate positive behaviour management and de-escalation techniques.
• Creating a safe, predictable and supportive environment where pupils feel listened to and valued.
• Supporting therapeutic interventions and activities designed to improve emotional wellbeing.
• Encouraging engagement with learning, social development and preparation for adulthood.
• Working closely with teaching, pastoral and therapeutic staff to provide consistent, individualised support.

The Ideal Candidate

We are particularly interested in candidates who have:

• Previous experience supporting young people with SEMH needs, trauma or complex emotional difficulties.
• An understanding of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and how trauma can impact behaviour, relationships and learning.
• Experience supporting challenging behaviour and emotional dysregulation.
• Knowledge of positive behaviour support, restorative approaches or de-escalation techniques.
• The ability to build trust with young people who may initially struggle to engage with adults.
• A calm, patient, empathetic and resilient approach.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a wider support team.
• Level 2 English and maths (GCSE grade 4/C or Functional Skills).
• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is mandatory. (We can help advise on this)

Experience in any of the following settings would be particularly beneficial:

• Specialist SEMH schools and alternative provisions.
• Residential children's homes.
• Youth offending and youth support services.
• Mental health and emotional wellbeing services.
• Behaviour support and pastoral teams.
• Trauma-informed or therapeutic educational settings.

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!

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.'