Teaching Assistant - Mental Health

Tradewind Recruitment; Corby; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment are seeking caring and resilient SEMH & Mental Health Teaching Assistants to join a specialist educational setting in Corby. The role focuses on supporting students with SEMH needs in one-to-one and small group settings, helping them manage emotions and develop coping strategies.

You will work with teachers and pastoral teams, applying de-escalation techniques and safeguarding procedures to create a safe and nurturing learning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children/young people with SEMH or behavioural needs.
• Understanding trauma and mental health impact on learning.
• Calmly manage challenging situations with professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Support students with SEMH needs one-to-one and in small groups.
• Help students manage emotions and build coping strategies.
• Support students displaying distressed behaviour with de-escalation techniques.
• Follow individual behaviour support plans and safeguarding procedures.
• Build positive relationships while maintaining boundaries with students.
• Encourage participation and reduce barriers to learning in lessons.
• Work with teachers and pastoral teams to provide consistent support.
• Support students with neurodiversity, including autism/ADHD.
• Create a safe, structured, nurturing learning environment.
• Assist with classroom routines and safeguarding compliance.

Skills

SEMH experience

Mental health

Behaviour management

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Job description

SEMH & Mental Health Teaching Assistant - CorbyLocation: Corby, NorthamptonshireContract: Full-Time | Long-Term | Potential Permanent OpportunitySalary: Competitive daily rates, dependent on experienceAgency: Tradewind Recruitment

Do You Have Experience Supporting Young People with Mental Health or Behavioural Needs?

Tradewind Recruitment are looking for caring, confident and resilient SEMH & Mental Health Teaching Assistants to join a specialist educational setting in Corby.

We are keen to hear from individuals who have a genuine understanding of mental health and experience supporting young people with emotional, behavioural or additional learning needs.

The school supports students who may have experienced trauma, anxiety, emotional dysregulation and difficulties engaging with mainstream education.

We are looking for someone who can build positive relationships, recognise the reasons behind challenging behaviour and provide the consistency, patience and encouragement young people need to succeed.

If you have experience in mental health services, children's residential care, SEMH education or youth support, this could be a fantastic opportunity for you!

What Will You Be Doing?

• Support students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs on a one-to-one basis and in small groups.
• Help young people manage their emotions, build confidence and develop positive coping strategies.
• Support students who may display challenging or distressed behaviour.
• Use appropriate de-escalation techniques and positive behaviour management strategies.
• Build trusting relationships with students who may struggle to engage with education.
• Encourage participation in lessons and support students in overcoming barriers to learning.
• Work alongside teachers and pastoral teams to provide consistent support.
• Support students with additional needs, including autism and ADHD.
• Follow individual behaviour support plans and safeguarding procedures.
• Help create a safe, structured and nurturing learning environment.

What Are We Looking For?

• Have previous experience supporting children, young people or vulnerable individuals with mental health, emotional or behavioural needs.
• Understand the impact of trauma and mental health difficulties on behaviour and learning.
• Are confident managing challenging situations calmly and professionally.
• Have experience with positive behaviour management or de-escalation.
• Are patient, empathetic, resilient and approachable.
• Can build positive relationships while maintaining clear boundaries.
• Have excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Are passionate about supporting vulnerable young people.
• Previous school experience is beneficial but not essential.
• We welcome candidates with transferable experience from:
  • Mental Health Support Work
  • Children's Residential Care
  • SEMH or SEN Education
  • Youth Work and Mentoring
  • Behaviour Support
  • Therapeutic Care
  • Psychology and Counselling
  • Alternative Provision
  • Health and Social Care

Why Work with Tradewind Recruitment?

• Competitive daily rates of pay, dependent on experience.
• Full-time, long-term opportunities.
• Potential pathways into permanent employment.
• A dedicated recruitment consultant providing ongoing support.
• Free CPD and professional development opportunities.
• Free access to The National College after your first day worked.
• Opportunities to develop your career within specialist education.

If you're passionate about mental health and have experience supporting young people with SEMH needs, emotional difficulties or challenging behaviour, we'd love to hear from you! Whether you're currently working in a school, children's home, mental health service or another support setting, your experience could make a real difference.

Tradewind Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and compliance checks, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and relevant employment checks.