Teaching Assistant - SEMH

Randstad Education; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured salary progression

Term-time only working

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Randstad Education in Burgess Hill is seeking a resilient, nurturing professional to provide trauma-informed emotional and educational support within a specialised educational environment. This temp-to-perm role offers a clear path to permanent position after a 12-week probation period.

Hours: Mon-Thu 08:30-15:30 and Fri 08:30-15:00, salary potential £23,000 per annum, no sponsorship required. You will lead activities, support learners, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 months experience in mental health, crisis support, or youth justice.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to support teachers in curriculum delivery.
• Commitment to trauma-informed care principles.
• Must be able to travel to site and access own transport.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed emotional and educational support to students.
• De-escalate high-pressure situations and manage challenging behaviours.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to create a safe learning environment.
• Lead activities and support a small team during lessons and breaks.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Emotional resilience

Clear communication

Team leadership

SemH support experience

Education

Maths and English GCSE 4/C or above

Job description

(Potential for permanent transition at £23,000 per annum - temp to perm after 12 week probation period)

We are searching for a resilient and nurturing professional to provide essential, life-changing support within a specialised educational environment in Burgess Hill. This temp-to-perm position offers a unique opportunity to act as a stable, guiding presence for children who have experienced significant adversity.

We operate a strict no-sponsorship policy; all applicants must have the permanent right to work in the UK.

Working Hours: Monday-Thursday (08:30-15:30) and Friday (08:30-15:00).

Responsibilities:

• Provide consistent, trauma-informed emotional and educational support.
• De-escalate high-pressure situations and manage challenging behaviours.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to foster a secure environment.
• Implement professional boundaries to build student trust.

You Must Have

• Be able to provide consistent and unwavering care and support to a group of students, taking a lead in running activities and leading a small team.
• Demonstrated success in promoting learning and student development, including assessing and recording progress.
• Ability to support teachers in curriculum delivery, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Minimum of 6 months of experience in mental health, crisis support, or youth justice.
• Strong emotional resilience and professional maturity.
• Commitment to trauma-informed care principles.
• Ability to access own transportation.
• Maths and English GCSE at a grade 4/C or above.
• The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check.
• Previous experience supporting students with social, emotional, or mental health (SEMH) needs, such as in foster care, residential children's homes, social care, or other complex care settings.
• An interest in psychology or a background in counselling.

Benefits:

• Access to structured salary progression for the right candidate.
• Term-time only working and school holidays.
• Dedicated support, including a confidential Employee Assistance Programme (counselling, legal, and financial advice) and Occupational Health services.
• High-quality CPD focused on trauma-informed practice, SEMH support, and behaviour de-escalation.
• Smaller class sizes allowing staff to make a profound impact on vulnerable students.