At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs and manage challenging behaviour.
- Company: Specialist SEN school in Islington dedicated to positive change.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full-time hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and grow in a meaningful role.
- Why this job: Transform lives and help students re-engage with education and their futures.
- Qualifications: Experience in mentoring, youth work, or behaviour support is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
SEMH Teaching Assistant / Behaviour Support Specialist
Location: Islington
Start Date: September 2026
Hours: Full-Time Monday - Friday
All-age setting: supporting children aged 4-16 years
Pay rate: £95 - £105 per day
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people who need it most in Islington? We are an SEMH/EBD specialist SEN school in Islington seeking resilient, empathetic, and committed individuals to join our team. This role is ideal for people who understand the realities many of our students face and can build strong, trusting relationships that support positive change.
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in:
- Mentoring or youth work
- Counselling or therapeutic support
- Supporting children with challenging behaviour
- Working with Looked After Children (LAC)
- Supporting young people vulnerable to gang involvement or exploitation
- Working with children affected by drug-related environments or poverty
- Trauma-informed practice and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- Behaviour support or intervention roles
- Community outreach or support intervention programmes
- Sports coaching or activity-based youth engagement
What we're looking for:
- Strong relationship-building skills
- Calm, confident approach to behaviour management
- Ability to engage and motivate hard-to-reach young people
- A team player with a proactive mindset
- Urban-minded individuals who can relate to the backgrounds of our students
What you'll be doing:
- Supporting students with SEMH needs in and out of the classroom
- Managing and de-escalating challenging behaviour
- Acting as a positive role model and mentor
- Delivering targeted interventions and support strategies
- Working closely with teaching staff and external professionals
This role suits individuals who bring real-world understanding, patience, and consistency. Many of our students in Islington have experienced disruption, instability, or trauma, and need adults who can provide structure, boundaries, and genuine care. This is more than a job - it's an opportunity to positively impact lives and help young people in Islington re-engage with education and their futures. If you have the experience, resilience, and drive to support vulnerable young people in an urban SEMH setting in Islington, we want to hear from you.
Behavior Support Worker. Job in London Education & Training Jobs employer: Academics
As a dedicated SEMH/EBD specialist school in Islington, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where passionate individuals can thrive. Our team is committed to professional development, offering ongoing training and mentorship opportunities that empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. With a focus on resilience and empathy, we create a culture that values collaboration and celebrates the unique contributions of each team member, making this an exceptional place to work for those looking to drive positive change in their community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Behavior Support Worker. Job in London Education & Training Jobs
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Academics.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Academics!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Academics, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Academics or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Behavior Support Worker. Job in London Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Academics:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Academics! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
