At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEMH needs through 1:1 and group assistance.
- Company: New Directions, a dedicated specialist SEMH school in Blackley.
- Benefits: Long-term role with potential for continued employment and professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on emotional and social development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable learners every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
New Directions is currently recruiting for a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant to work full‑time in a specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school in Blackley. This is a long‑term opportunity, ideal for someone passionate about supporting young people who require additional emotional and behavioural support to access education. The school are looking for someone who has experience working within a Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) setting and have a strong understanding of trauma‑informed practice. The role is due to start as soon as possible and will continue for the rest of the academic year with the opportunity for it to continue in September 2026.
Role
- Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with SEMH needs
- Assist the class teacher in delivering engaging and differentiated lessons
- Support pupils in managing their behaviour and emotions
- Help create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment
- Build positive and trusting relationships with students and staff
- Promote the social and emotional development of pupils
Candidate
- Experience working with children or young people with SEMH, behavioural needs, or additional learning needs
- Confident in appropriately challenging pupils across all secondary age ranges
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- The ability to manage challenging behaviour effectively
- A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable learners
- Team Teach trained with strong, effective de‑escalation techniques
- Able to build strong, trusting relationships that support engagement and progress
- Calm, resilient and emotionally literate; able to remain regulated under pressure
SEMH Teaching Assistant in Stretford employer: New Directions
New Directions is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where teachers can thrive and develop their skills in a 'Good' rated school. With opportunities for professional growth and a collaborative leadership team, this role in Longsight provides a meaningful chance to make a positive impact on students' lives while enjoying the vibrant community of Manchester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Teaching Assistant in Stretford
✨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 New Directions.
✨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 New Directions!
✨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 New Directions, 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 New Directions 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 in Stretford
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 New Directions:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to New Directions! 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 New Directions
✨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.
