At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs in a 1:1 setting.
- Company: Specialist SEMH school in Hackney with a dedicated leadership team.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Contract role starting September 2026 with excellent career development prospects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children facing emotional challenges.
- Qualifications: Background in youth work or sports coaching preferred; resilience and positivity essential.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
We are currently looking for behaviour support assistants to work with a child with Social Emotional and Mental Health Needs at a specialist SEMH school in Hackney.
The Role
In this role you will be supporting various pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs on a 1 to 1 and small group basis. Pupils attending the Pupil referral unit have been permanently excluded from mainstream school settings and you will need to be committed to improving the lives of those affected by emotional trauma or mental health. They are ideally looking for someone with a background in youth work or sports coaching who can provide support whilst maintaining high expectations. You need to have a positive and resilient approach with the ability to build relationships and de-escalate situations. This role is offered on a contract basis from September 2026.
The school
This specialist school is based in Hackney and supports children from 5 to 16 who have SEMH as their main need. The school takes admissions from all surrounding mainstream schools for pupils who are unable to access learning due to their needs. The school supports both children and the families with positive, solution focused strategies to help manage behaviour/learning progress. The school has an established and dedicated leadership team in place and offers training and development opportunities for all staff.
If you are a calm, positive and resilient support assistant who is dedicated to supporting children with additional needs then this is an excellent opportunity.
We have a policy to respond to all applications within three working days. However, because of the volume of applications, we are sometimes unable to reply to individual enquiries. If we have not contacted you within this specified time your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Philosophy Education is a Recruitment Business and is advertising this vacancy on behalf of one of its clients.
Behavior Mentor employer: Philosophy Education
As a Behaviour Mentor at our specialist SEMH school in Hackney, you will join a supportive and dedicated team committed to transforming the lives of children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. We offer a nurturing work culture that prioritises professional development, providing ample training opportunities to enhance your skills while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a focus on positive relationships and resilience, this role not only allows you to support vulnerable pupils but also fosters your own growth in a rewarding educational environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Behavior Mentor
✨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 Philosophy 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 Philosophy 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 Philosophy 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 Philosophy 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 Behavior Mentor
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 Philosophy Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Philosophy 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 Philosophy 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.
