At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with behavioural and emotional needs in Alternative Provision settings.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a difference in education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full-time hours, and potential for longer-term opportunities.
- Other info: Develop skills in behaviour management and emotional regulation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Ideal for psychology, criminology, or sociology graduates and those passionate about supporting youth.
The predicted salary is between 24750 - 30250 £ per year.
Are you passionate about understanding behaviour and supporting young people who need a different approach to education? Academics are currently recruiting enthusiastic, resilient and empathetic Behaviour Support Assistants to work across a range of Alternative Provision (AP) settings in Gloucestershire. This is a fantastic opportunity to support children and young people who may struggle to access mainstream education due to behavioural, emotional and additional learning needs. Pupils may present with a range of needs, including ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), ADD, ADHD, SEMH, emotional regulation difficulties and challenging behaviour. Many require additional patience, consistency and individualised support to help them feel safe, build positive relationships and re-engage with learning.
As a Behaviour Support Assistant, you will:
- Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with additional needs.
- Support behaviour management and encourage positive choices.
- Help pupils understand and manage their emotions and behaviour.
- Develop strategies to support emotional regulation and reduce challenging behaviours.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils who may struggle with authority, boundaries or social interaction.
- Support children with ASD, ADD, ADHD and other additional needs.
- Encourage engagement, confidence, independence and resilience.
- Work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to provide consistent support.
- Help create a safe, structured and positive learning environment.
Who would this role suit? This opportunity would be ideal for someone who is interested in behaviour, child development and understanding why young people may present with challenging behaviour. We would love to hear from:
- Psychology, Criminology and Sociology graduates.
- Experienced Teaching Assistants and SEN Teaching Assistants.
- Behaviour Mentors and Youth Workers.
- Residential and Support Workers.
- Individuals with experience supporting children or young people with ASD, ADD, ADHD or SEMH.
- Anyone with a genuine passion for helping young people overcome barriers to education.
Previous experience in an Alternative Provision or specialist SEN setting would be beneficial but is not essential for every position. A calm, patient and consistent approach is far more important, alongside the ability to build relationships and remain resilient in challenging situations.
Why consider this opportunity? Working in Alternative Provision offers valuable experience supporting young people who may have struggled in mainstream education. You'll develop practical skills in behaviour management, emotional regulation, neurodiversity and trauma-informed approaches, while making a genuine difference to pupils' educational experiences. This could be an excellent stepping stone for anyone considering a future career in teaching, educational psychology, youth work, mental health or specialist SEN education.
Key Information:
- Position: Behaviour Support Assistant
- Location: Gloucestershire
- Settings: Alternative Provision (AP)
- Hours: Full time, Monday-Friday (hours dependent on placement)
- Pay: £90-£105 per day
- Start Date: ASAP
- Contract: Temporary, with potential for longer-term opportunities
If you're passionate about behaviour, interested in understanding additional needs and want to help young people find a positive path back into education, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today by uploading your CV, or contact Academics to find out more about our Behaviour Support Assistant opportunities across Gloucestershire!
Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy.
Behaviour Support Assistant - Gloucestershire employer: Academics
Academics in Portsmouth is an excellent employer for supply teachers, offering flexible working hours and competitive pay rates that allow educators to maintain a healthy work-life balance. With a strong emphasis on professional development and a supportive network of diverse schools, employees can enhance their teaching skills while enjoying the variety of day-to-day assignments. This role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in education while enjoying the benefits of a dynamic work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Behaviour Support Assistant - Gloucestershire
✨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 Behaviour Support Assistant - Gloucestershire
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.
