At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEN and emotional needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Birchwood School, a specialist educational setting in Cardiff.
- Benefits: Term-time only, specialist training, career progression, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to trauma-informed practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people facing challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN, calm approach, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 22500 - 27500 £ per year.
About The Role
Birchwood School in Cardiff is recruiting a dedicated Trauma Informed Learning Support Assistant to help transform the lives of children and young people who have experienced adversity, attachment difficulties, or barriers to learning. This is an exciting opportunity to join a specialist school where positive relationships, emotional wellbeing, and trauma-informed practice are at the heart of everything we do.
As a Trauma Informed Learning Support Assistant, you will support pupils with a range of additional learning needs, behavioural needs, and emotional regulation challenges. Working closely with teachers, therapists, and families, you will help create a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where pupils can develop confidence, resilience, and independence. Using evidence-based trauma-informed approaches, you will support pupils to regulate emotions, overcome challenges, and engage successfully in education.
This role is ideal for candidates with experience in:
- Teaching Assistant (TA) positions
- SEN Support
- Behaviour Support
- Youth Work
- Health and Social Care
- Psychology or Education settings
Key Responsibilities
As a Trauma Informed Learning Support Assistant, you will:
- Provide individual and small-group support for pupils with SEN, SEMH, Autism, ADHD, and additional learning needs.
- Support pupils experiencing emotional distress or behaviours that challenge in a calm and compassionate manner.
- Sign off and quality check RADAR reports.
- Apply trauma-informed and de-escalation strategies to help pupils regulate emotions and return to learning successfully.
- Build strong, trusting relationships that promote emotional security, confidence, and wellbeing.
- Support the implementation and review of Trauma Responsive Management (TRM) plans and individual support programmes.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, families, and external professionals.
- Monitor behavioural patterns, identify triggers, and contribute to effective intervention planning.
- Promote positive behaviour, emotional wellbeing, and school engagement.
- Help create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
- Share best practice and contribute to the development of trauma-informed approaches across the school including observations, coaching and mentoring staff.
To be successful in this Learning Support Assistant role, you will have:
- Experience working with children or young people with SEN, SEMH, behavioural needs, or additional learning needs.
- A calm, patient, and empathetic approach.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- The resilience to support pupils through challenging situations.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- A full UK driving licence.
Desirable Skills and Experience
We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with knowledge or experience of:
- Attachment Theory
- Behaviour Support
- ADHD
- SEMH Education
- Specialist Education Settings
- Therapeutic Care Environments
Relevant qualifications in Education, Childcare, Psychology, Health & Social Care, Youth Work, Social Work, or a related field would be advantageous.
Why Join Birchwood School?
- Term-time only working pattern for improved work-life balance
- Specialist training in trauma-informed practice, behaviour support, Autism, ADHD, and emotional wellbeing
- Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
- Supportive multidisciplinary team environment
- The chance to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people
- Access to Orbis Education & Care employee benefits, wellbeing support, and Blue Light Card eligibility
Join Our Team
At Birchwood School, we understand that behaviour is communication and that every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe, valued, and successful. If you're passionate about supporting young people with SEN, SEMH, Autism, ADHD, and trauma-related needs, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today for this Trauma Informed Learning Support Assistant job in Cardiff and help empower children and young people to reach their full potential.
Trauma Informed Learning Support Assistant in Cardiff employer: Orbis Education & Care
Ty Trafle School in Swansea is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive environment where teachers can truly make a difference in the lives of children with complex needs. With small class sizes, a strong focus on professional development, and a commitment to work-life balance through term-time only hours, our staff are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values wellbeing, inclusivity, and the transformative power of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trauma Informed Learning Support Assistant in Cardiff
✨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 Orbis Education & Care.
✨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 Orbis Education & Care!
✨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 Orbis Education & Care, 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 Orbis Education & Care 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 Trauma Informed Learning Support Assistant in Cardiff
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 Orbis Education & Care:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Orbis Education & Care! 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 Orbis Education & Care
✨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.
