Trauma-Informed Support Assistant

Milk Education; Chester-le-Street; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent rates of pay

Wellbeing support

Training and development support

Referral programme

24/7 consultant access

Job summary

Milk Education is recruiting a Trauma-Informed Support Assistant for a nurturing primary provision in North Durham to support pupils with adversity.

The role is full-time, 8:30am–3:30pm, with a temporary contract that may become permanent. You will work closely with teachers, pastoral staff and SEN practitioners to provide calm, individualised support throughout the day.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, trauma, autism or complex needs.
• Experience from school, care, youth work or similar setting is welcomed.
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches and their impact on behaviour and learning.

Responsibilities

• Build safe, trusting relationships with pupils.
• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for emotional regulation, confidence and resilience.
• Help pupils overcome barriers to learning and re-engage with education.
• Support transitions, routines and positive behaviour.
• Use calm, restorative and trauma-informed approaches when pupils are dysregulated.
• Support development of communication, independence and life skills.
• Record and share information about pupils’ progress and wellbeing.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Job description

Trauma-Informed Support Assistant

Are you passionate about supporting young people who have experienced adversity? Do you want to help primary-age pupils build confidence, develop resilience and re-engage with learning?

Milk Education is working with a nurturing primary provision in North Durham to recruit a Trauma-Informed Support Assistant to join a compassionate, relationship-focused team.

About the School

The setting provides a safe, predictable and supportive environment, with a strong focus on emotional regulation, wellbeing, life skills and positive relationships. Staff work closely with families, therapists and external professionals to provide individualised, trauma-informed support.

The Role

Start:September 2026

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm

Contract: Full time, temporary to possible permanent contract

You’ll work alongside teachers, pastoral staff and SEN practitioners to provide calm, consistent and individualised support throughout the school day.

Your role will include:

• Building safe, trusting relationships with pupils.
• Providing 1:1 and small-group support with emotional regulation, confidence and resilience.
• Helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and re-engage with education.
• Supporting transitions, routines and positive behaviour.
• Using calm, restorative and trauma-informed approaches when pupils are dysregulated.
• Supporting the development of communication, independence and life skills.
• Recording and sharing information about pupils’ progress, wellbeing and behaviour.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, trauma, autism or complex needs.
• Experience from a school, care, youth work or similar setting is welcomed.
• An understanding of trauma-informed approaches and their impact on behaviour and learning.
• A calm, patient and emotionally resilient approach.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A genuine commitment to helping vulnerable young people thrive.
• Applicants must live locally to North Durham.

Why Milk Education?

Milk Education is a purpose-driven, eco-friendly education agency focused on making a positive difference.

We offer:

• Excellent rates of pay
• Health and wellbeing support
• Free lesson plans and resources
• 24/7 access to your personal consultant
• Training and development support
• Referral programme
• Support if you wish to progress into a permanent role