At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs and help them overcome learning barriers.
- Company: Specialist SEMH school in Preston with a dedicated support team.
- Benefits: Up to £600 per week, full-time role, and specialist training provided.
- Other info: Outstanding career preparation for psychology, therapy, education, or social care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in vulnerable young people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Graduate with a passion for supporting young people; experience in care or mentoring is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you a graduate looking to begin a rewarding career supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you want to gain invaluable frontline experience before pursuing a career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, or SEN Education?
A specialist SEMH school in Preston is seeking a resilient and enthusiastic Graduate SEMH Teaching Assistant to join their dedicated support team from September. This is an excellent opportunity to develop highly transferable skills while making a genuine difference to the lives of vulnerable young people.
RoleAs a Graduate SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils with a range of additional needs including SEMH, ADHD, Autism, attachment difficulties, and behavioural challenges. Working on both a 1:1 basis and within small groups, you will help pupils overcome barriers to learning, develop emotional regulation strategies, and build confidence both inside and outside the classroom. You will become an integral member of a supportive multidisciplinary team, working alongside experienced teachers and pastoral staff to deliver targeted interventions tailored to each pupil's individual needs. Building positive relationships, maintaining clear boundaries, and acting as a consistent role model will be central to your success.
What’s on Offer- Up to 600 per week
- Full-time, long-term role
- September start
- Specialist SEMH and behaviour management training
- Supportive leadership and experienced mentoring
- Outstanding preparation for careers in psychology, therapy, education, or social care
- Graduate (Psychology or related degree desirable)
- Experience in care, youth work, sports coaching, mentoring, or SEN advantageous
- Resilient, confident, and emotionally intelligent
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Passion for supporting vulnerable young people
This Graduate SEMH Teaching Assistant role in Preston provides an outstanding foundation for graduates looking to build a long-term career supporting children with additional needs.
Graduate SEMH Teaching Assistant employer: Prospero Teaching
Prospero Teaching is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for graduates eager to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with SEMH needs. Located in Preston, this specialist SEMH school provides comprehensive training and mentorship, ensuring that you develop essential skills while working alongside experienced professionals. With a focus on employee growth and a commitment to fostering a positive work culture, this role is perfect for those looking to embark on a rewarding career in education or related fields.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate SEMH Teaching Assistant
✨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 Prospero Teaching.
✨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 Prospero Teaching!
✨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 Prospero Teaching, 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 Prospero Teaching 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 Graduate SEMH Teaching Assistant
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 Prospero Teaching:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Prospero Teaching! 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 Prospero Teaching
✨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.