At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people facing trauma and barriers to education in a specialist school.
- Company: A dedicated alternative provision school in Tower Hamlets, London.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing professional development, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND, SEMH, or supporting children with trauma is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33483 £ per year.
Learning Support Assistant - SEND & Trauma-Informed Practice
Location: Tower Hamlets, London
Rate: £110 - £125 per day
Contract: long term, full time
Hours: 8:30am - 3:45pm
We are recruiting on behalf of a specialist alternative provision school for a dedicated and resilient Learning Support Assistant who understands the profound impact trauma can have on a child's emotional wellbeing, behaviour and ability to learn. This role is ideal for someone with experience supporting children and young people with SEND, SEMH, Autism, ADHD or complex emotional needs, particularly those who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) or significant life challenges. You'll play a vital role in helping pupils feel safe, build trusting relationships and develop the confidence, resilience and life skills needed to succeed.
The Role:
- Working alongside the SENCo, teachers and senior leaders, you will:
- Build positive, consistent and trusting relationships with pupils who have experienced trauma and adversity.
- Support pupils on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, adapting your approach to meet individual needs.
- Deliver targeted interventions that promote emotional regulation, resilience and positive engagement in learning.
- Help pupils develop social, emotional and life skills to prepare them for future education, employment and independence.
- Monitor and record progress, contributing to personalised support plans.
- Support teachers in delivering engaging, tailored learning activities.
- Promote positive behaviour using a calm, restorative and trauma-informed approach.
- Work collaboratively with families and professionals to achieve the best outcomes for pupils.
About You
We're looking for someone who:
- Has experience supporting children or young people who have experienced trauma, adversity, attachment difficulties or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
- Understands how trauma can affect behaviour, emotional regulation and learning.
- Has experience working within SEND, SEMH, alternative provision, education, youth work, residential care or children's services.
- Can build strong, trusting relationships whilst maintaining clear professional boundaries.
- Is calm, patient, resilient and able to respond positively in challenging situations.
- Has excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Is committed to safeguarding and improving outcomes for vulnerable young people.
- Holds a First Aid qualification (desirable).
What You'll Receive:
- Pay rate: £110 - £125 per day
- Permanent, full-time role.
- Ongoing professional development, including trauma-informed practice.
- A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
- The opportunity to transform the lives of vulnerable young people every day.
Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, references, right to work verification and all other safer recruitment requirements.
If you have the compassion, resilience and trauma-informed approach needed to help young people overcome barriers and realise their potential, we'd love to hear from you.
SEMH LSA - Tower Hamlets employer: Empowering Learning
Empowering Learning is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Behaviour Mentors in the Orpington and Bromley area. With a strong emphasis on professional development, our team enjoys access to ongoing training and growth opportunities, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with Autism and other SEND needs. Join us to be part of a compassionate community that values collaboration and innovation in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH LSA - Tower Hamlets
✨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 Empowering Learning.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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We think you need these skills to ace SEMH LSA - Tower Hamlets
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 Empowering Learning:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Empowering Learning! 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 Empowering Learning
✨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.
