At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teenagers with emotional needs and help them thrive in their learning environment.
- Company: Milk Education, a supportive and inclusive educational organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, fast-track compliance, and access to professional development courses.
- Other info: Enjoy 24/7 support from your personal consultant and a culture-matched placement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience with youth or a passion for supporting young people is ideal.
The predicted salary is between 28568 - 34916 £ per year.
Location: Birtley, Gateshead
Working hours: 8.30am-3.30pm Monday to Friday
Start date: September 2026
Milk Education are recruiting for a SEMH Support Assistant to work with teenagers with adverse childhood experiences and guide them on their journey within their schooling environment. The school predominantly caters for children aged 11-16 who have social, emotional and mental health needs. This role requires a high level of resilience, patience and empathy for those who can show dysregulated behaviours and have trauma responses. This setting is a highly supportive work environment and you will have the full support of the wider staff team and exceptional senior leadership.
Your role as a SEMH Support Assistant is to support the students with emotional regulation and gently encourage them to access their learning in a way which meets their needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide consistent 1:1 and small group support for pupils aged from 11-16 years old with a range of social, emotional and mental health needs
- Building positive, trusting relationships that encourage engagement, confidence and resilience
- Supporting students to regulate their emotions and use positive behaviour strategies
- Working alongside teachers and pastoral staff to deliver personalised learning activities and adapt resources to meet individual needs
- Promoting a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment where every student feels respected, understood and able to succeed
Person Specification:
- Recent experience working in a school, alternative provision or youth work setting is desirable but not essential
- Experienced Support Workers who are open to working with children would also fit this role perfectly due to the needs of the young people who attend this school
- Solid numeracy and literacy skills
- A genuine passion for supporting children and young people
- A calm, resilient and empathetic approach, with the ability to remain positive in challenging situations
- Ability to work proactively, both independently and as part of a team
- An Enhanced DBS certificate on the update service (or willingness to apply)
Benefits:
- Competitive rates of pay with temp-to-perm routes available
- Speedy registration process & fast-track compliance – APSCo Compliance+ accredited for the highest safer recruitment standards
- Culture-matched placements – we take the time to understand you and find schools that fit your values and strengths
- Priority Partnership school network – access to trusted schools who work with us long-term on staffing, enrichment and community initiatives
- 5+ CPD courses completed before placement (including Safeguarding, SEND & Behaviour) with access to further accredited training through the Milk Academy
- FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources, designed by real teachers
- FREE Educator Wellbeing resources and access to our community hub – because we believe supported staff stay longer and make a bigger impact
- School Preparation Pack with handover notes and insightful school guides – so you walk in ready on day one
- 24/7 support from your personal consultant, directly through their work mobile phone to ensure your journey is personal
Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited, meeting the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education and APSCo guidelines. Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
SEMH Support Assistant in Birtley employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Liverpool. With significant progression pathways, generous incentives, and a supportive environment, we empower our team to thrive in their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance with 23 days off annually plus bank holidays.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Support Assistant in Birtley
✨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 Milk Education.
✨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 Milk Education!
✨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 Milk Education, 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 Milk Education 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 Support Assistant in Birtley
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 Milk Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Milk Education! 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 Milk Education
✨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.
