At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEMH needs in lessons and activities, promoting positive engagement.
- Company: Join a specialist SEMH school dedicated to nurturing young minds.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, health plans, and exclusive discounts for staff.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with additional needs and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 19898 - 20866 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a caring, motivated, and resilient Special Educational Needs Support Assistant (SENSA) to join our specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school. This is a rewarding opportunity to support young people with additional needs to access learning, develop confidence, and achieve positive outcomes.
The successful candidate will work closely with teaching and pastoral staff to provide tailored support for students with SEMH needs, autism, ADHD, SEND, and other barriers to learning. You will play a key role in helping students engage positively with education and develop socially, emotionally, and academically.
Key Responsibilities- Support students in lessons, interventions, and structured activities
- Provide one-to-one and small group support tailored to individual needs
- Promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and engagement in learning
- Help create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment
- Support students with social skills, communication, and independence
- Assist teachers with classroom preparation and learning resources
- Monitor and record student progress, behaviour, and wellbeing
- Work collaboratively with staff, parents/carers, and external professionals
- Have experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND, autism, ADHD, or behavioural needs
- Be patient, empathetic, and resilient
- Have strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Be able to remain calm and adaptable in challenging situations
- Be committed to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing
- Have a positive and proactive approach to supporting vulnerable learners
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free Discount for Teachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
Actual Salary: £19,898-£20,866
Working hours: 32.5 hours per week, Term Time plus 5 Inset Days (39 weeks total)
SENSA (Special Education Needs Support Assistant) in Longton employer: Portland School
Join our specialist SEMH school as a Special Educational Needs Support Assistant, where you will be part of a caring and inclusive community dedicated to empowering young people with additional needs. We offer generous benefits including an excellent pension scheme, substantial holiday entitlement, and access to health and wellbeing services, all within a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and collaboration. This role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on students' lives but also provides unique opportunities for personal and career development in a nurturing setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENSA (Special Education Needs Support Assistant) in Longton
✨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 Portland School.
✨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 Portland School!
✨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 Portland School, 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 Portland School 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 SENSA (Special Education Needs Support Assistant) in Longton
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 Portland School:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Portland School! 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 Portland School
✨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.
