Specialist SEMH Support Worker

The Methodist Church in Britain; Uxbridge Moor; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

The Primary SEMH Team in Merton's SEND Support and Inclusion Service, part of the council's education department, needs a support worker for children with social, emotional and mental health needs. Term-time hours call for flexibility and initiative in challenging situations, drawing on recent SEMH experience in schools or youth settings.

Good communication with parents and professionals is central to the role.

Qualifications

• Good communication with professionals and parents.
• Flexible approach and initiative in challenging situations.
• Works well as part of a team.
• Experience working with children from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Promote inclusion for pupils with a wide range of needs, working with both pupils and school staff
• Build rapport and relationships with pupils through practical support
• Support and guide school staff by modelling good practice
• Respond flexibly and use initiative in challenging situations, upholding care, welfare, safety and security
• Work in partnership with professionals and parents to reduce anxiety

Skills

Good communication

Flexible approach

Teamwork

Diversity awareness

Job description

The Primary SEMH Team in Merton's SEND Support and Inclusion Service, part of the council's education department, needs a support worker for children with social, emotional and mental health needs. Much of the work is direct support for pupils, many of whom have experienced developmental trauma or are neuro-diverse, alongside guidance for school staff through modelling good practice. Term-time hours call for flexibility and initiative in challenging situations, drawing on recent SEMH experience in schools or youth settings. Good communication with parents and professionals is central to the role.

What the job involves

• Promote inclusion for pupils with a wide range of needs, working with both pupils and school staff
• Build rapport and relationships with pupils through practical support
• Support and guide school staff by modelling good practice
• Respond flexibly and use initiative in challenging situations, upholding care, welfare, safety and security
• Work in partnership with professionals and parents to reduce anxiety

What's required

Experience

• Recent professional or voluntary work with children who have social, emotional and mental health needs
• Track record of supporting children or young people with complex SEMH needs to improve outcomes
• Experience of working with children who are difficult to engage
• Experience in schools, youth settings, early help, transition work, targeted youth or children's support, or supporting young people and families

Skills & knowledge

• Good communication skills to work with professionals and parents
• Flexible approach and initiative in challenging situations
• Working well as part of a team
• Working with children from diverse backgrounds