At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs and promote their engagement and confidence.
- Company: Academics Canterbury, dedicated to making a difference in education.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rates, flexible placements, and dedicated support.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth in a rewarding and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and help them succeed.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 29910 £ per year.
Location: East Kent
Salary: £88 - £105 per day (dependent on experience)
Contract: Full-Time / Part-Time / Long-Term / Permanent Opportunities Available
Are you passionate about supporting young people who need guidance, structure and positive role models? Academics Canterbury are currently recruiting SEMH Teaching Assistants to work within specialist provisions and SEN schools across East Kent. We have opportunities available immediately and for September 2026 starts.
This role is ideal for individuals who have experience working with young people who may display challenging behaviour or require additional emotional and behavioural support. We welcome applicants from education, care, youth work, sports coaching and support work backgrounds.
The Role:
- Supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- Building positive relationships with students who may have experienced barriers to learning
- Providing 1:1 and small group support throughout the school day
- Promoting engagement, confidence and emotional regulation
- Supporting behaviour management strategies and positive outcomes
- Working alongside Teachers, Pastoral Teams and Therapeutic Professionals
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- A calm, patient and resilient approach
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Experience working with children, young people or vulnerable adults
- Confidence managing challenging behaviour in a positive and professional manner
- A genuine desire to help young people succeed both academically and personally
We Welcome Applications From:
- SEMH Teaching Assistants
- SEN Teaching Assistants
- Behaviour Mentors
- Learning Support Assistants
- Youth Workers
- Residential Support Workers
- Care Workers
- Sports Coaches
- Graduates considering a career in teaching, psychology or social work
Why Work with Academics?
- Opportunities within specialist SEMH schools and provisions
- Competitive daily rates
- Flexible and long-term placements available
- Dedicated SEN consultant support
- Access to permanent opportunities
- Work within schools across East Kent
Many of the young people you will support simply need consistency, encouragement and someone who genuinely believes in their potential. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference every day, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to discuss our current SEMH Teaching Assistant opportunities.
SEMH Teaching Assistant - Immediate & September Starts employer: Academics
Academics Canterbury is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for SEMH Teaching Assistants. With competitive daily rates, flexible placements, and access to permanent opportunities, we prioritise employee growth and development while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people across East Kent. Join us to be part of a team that values resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Teaching Assistant - Immediate & September Starts
✨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 SEMH Teaching Assistant - Immediate & September Starts
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.
