Balfor Recruitment
SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: Walsall, West Midlands
Job Type: Full-time, Ongoing
Salary: £85 – £110 per day (dependent on experience)
Start Date: ASAP
About Us
Balfor Recruitment is working on behalf of a well-established education trust, seeking a SEMH Teaching Assistant to support students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in the Walsall area. We are looking for a dedicated and empathetic individual to help provide a nurturing and inclusive educational environment for students with SEMH and challenging behaviours. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students who need additional support to thrive in their learning and personal development.
The trust operates a range of schools in the Walsall area, including both primary and secondary settings. These schools cater to students with various needs, including SEMH, ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), ADHD, and SEBD (Social, Emotional, and Behavioural Difficulties).
The Role
As a SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will provide vital support to students with SEMH, helping them manage their emotions, behaviour, and social interactions. You will work closely with the class teacher and other staff to create and implement personalised support strategies, ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed. This role involves supporting students both in and outside of the classroom, with a focus on creating a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment.
Your key responsibilities will include working with students individually or in small groups, promoting positive behaviour, and helping students develop coping strategies for emotional and behavioural challenges.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide individualised support to students with SEMH, helping them access the curriculum and manage their emotions and behaviours.
- Implement positive behaviour strategies and de-escalation techniques to support students in maintaining focus and engagement.
- Monitor and report on student progress in terms of emotional well-being, behaviour, and academic engagement, working with teachers and the pastoral team.
- Provide emotional support to students, helping them develop resilience, coping strategies, and self-regulation skills.
- Act as a positive role model and mentor, encouraging self-esteem, confidence, and positive behaviour.
- Support students during unstructured times, such as break times and lunch, ensuring they feel supported and safe.
- Work closely with the class teacher and pastoral staff to create and implement behaviour intervention plans and personalised learning strategies.
- Help students develop positive social skills and engage in restorative practices to resolve conflicts.
Requirements:
- Experience working with children or young people in an educational setting, particularly those with SEMH or behavioural challenges.
- A strong interest in supporting the social and emotional development of students and helping them overcome barriers to learning.
- Knowledge of behaviour management strategies and the ability to implement de-escalation techniques effectively.
- Patience, empathy, and the ability to build trusting relationships with students.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with teachers, support staff, and external agencies.
- Experience in an SEMH or PRU setting is desirable but not essential.
- Enhanced DBS check (we can assist with this if needed).
- Valid Photo ID (e.g., passport or driving licence) and references from the past 2 years.
Why Work with Balfor Recruitment?
- Be part of a supportive and inclusive school community focused on positive student outcomes.
- Professional development opportunities to grow within the education sector.
- The chance to make a real impact in students’ lives, helping them build emotional resilience and succeed in their education.
- Competitive pay based on experience.
What You Need to Do Now:
If you are passionate about supporting students with SEMH needs and are ready to take on this rewarding role, click submit your up-to-date CV for consideration or email it to francesca@balfor.co.uk
If this role isn’t the right fit for you but you’re looking for a new opportunity, please get in touch for a confidential conversation about your career.