About the role:
A specialist provision is seeking a dedicated and resilient SEND Support Practitioner / Teaching Assistant to support the delivery of vocational learning for students with adverse childhood experiences, trauma, and complex personal backgrounds, starting full-time in September.
The setting provides a structured, nurturing environment where relationships, consistency, and practical learning are key. The curriculum focuses on vocational skills, engagement, independence, and preparation for adulthood, helping students re-engage with education in a meaningful and supportive way.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the delivery of vocational and practical lessons (e.g. life skills, employability, hands-on learning activities) in line with students’ individual needs.
- Build strong, trusting relationships with students, acting as a consistent and positive role model.
- Use trauma-informed approaches to support students’ emotional regulation, wellbeing, and engagement in learning.
- Adapt activities and provide scaffolded support to ensure all students can access and succeed in practical tasks.
- Promote positive behaviour strategies, helping students to manage emotions and re-engage with learning when challenges arise.
- Work closely with teaching staff and pastoral teams to provide a safe, structured, and predictable environment.
- Encourage the development of independence, confidence, and transferable life skills.
- Support with risk management and de-escalation strategies where required, maintaining a calm and consistent approach.
Pre-requisites:
- Experience working with young people with SEMH needs, trauma, or challenging behaviours, in education, care, youth work, or similar settings.
- Understanding of trauma-informed practice and how adverse experiences can impact behaviour and learning.
- Confidence supporting vocational or practical learning activities and engaging students who may be disengaged from mainstream education.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport, set boundaries, and remain calm under pressure.
- A proactive, patient, and resilient approach, with a genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable young people.
- Relevant qualifications such as Teaching Assistant, Youth Work, Health & Social Care, or equivalent experience (desirable but not essential).