Social, Emotional & Mental Health Support Assistant

An independent specialist day school is looking for a calm, resilient and compassionate Social, Emotional & Mental Health Support Assistant to join their team. This is a setting that supports boys and girls aged 7 to 18 with complex learning needs, including SEMH.

You’ll be working in a setting that delivers personalised, holistic education. Every pupil has their own story, their own strengths and their own path. The curriculum outcomes are highly individual, but the aim is always the same, to help young people leave with recognised qualifications and the independence skills to move forward with confidence.

You’ll be part of a team that:

• Delivers tailored 1:1 and small group support
• Creates safe, inclusive environments where pupils feel they belong
• Builds academic, social and life skills that boost independence and self-esteem
• Works closely with families and external professionals
• Is committed to continuous improvement and meaningful CPD

As a SEMH Support Assistant, you will:

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with SEMH needs
• Support emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies
• Build strong, consistent relationships with pupils who may have experienced trauma
• Help create a calm, structured and supportive learning environment
• Work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to adapt learning and support plans

What we’re looking for:

You might have experience in a specialist school, PRU, alternative provision or youth work setting. You might have supported pupils with autism, ADHD or trauma-related needs. Or maybe you’ve worked in care and are ready to bring those skills into education.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Patient, empathetic and emotionally intelligent
• Confident supporting children with SEMH and complex needs
• Resilient, calm under pressure and consistent in approach
• Committed to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing
• Keen to learn and develop professionally

Why join through Protocol Education?

We’ll support you from day one and make sure you’re placed somewhere that fits.

• Weekly pay through PAYE, no umbrella companies
• FREE access to our online CPD Academy
• Personalised support from a dedicated consultant
• Opportunities in mainstream, SEND and alternative settings
• Streamlined registration and local placements
• Referral scheme, earn rewards for referring friends

If you’re ready to be the steady presence a young person needs, we’d love to hear from you.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

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