At a Glance
- Tasks: Support secondary students with SEMH needs and help them thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Specialist SEMH provision dedicated to making a difference in young people's lives.
- Benefits: Temp-to-perm pathway, full training, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on wellbeing and positive relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while developing your skills in education.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or young people and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 23000 £ per year.
Do You Want to Make a Real Difference? Are you resilient, compassionate, and passionate about supporting young people who face barriers to learning due to Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? An independent specialist SEMH provision in Burstow is seeking dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistants to join its secondary team. This specialist setting supports students with a range of needs, including ADHD, ASD, and associated social, emotional, and behavioural challenges. The school provides a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where students are supported to rebuild confidence, regulate emotions, and re-engage with education.
Position Details
- Location: Burstow
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:15pm
- Contract: Temp-to-Perm (12-week agency period followed by permanent transfer)
- Agency Pay: £93-£100 per day (first 12 weeks)
- Permanent Salary: £22,000-£23,000 per annum
About the Role
As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will:
- Support secondary-aged pupils with SEMH needs on a 1:1 and small-group basis.
- Help students develop emotional regulation skills and positive learning behaviours.
- Work closely with teaching staff to deliver structured learning support.
- Act as a positive, consistent role model for vulnerable learners.
- Encourage engagement in lessons and wider school activities.
- Build trusting relationships that promote wellbeing, confidence, and progress.
Benefits
- Clear temp-to-perm pathway into a permanent school contract.
- Full training and ongoing professional development.
- Supportive and collaborative staff team.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on young people's lives.
- Valuable experience within a specialist SEMH secondary setting.
- Long-term career progression opportunities within education and SEND.
Requirements
- Experience working with children or young people (education, youth work, care, or similar settings).
- A calm, patient, and resilient approach.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- The ability to build positive relationships and manage challenging behaviour effectively.
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing.
- A genuine passion for supporting young people with SEMH needs.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a specialist setting where consistency, care, and positive relationships are at the heart of everything they do.
Autism Support Assistant in Horley employer: Randstad Education
Join a dedicated team at our independent specialist SEMH provision in Burstow, where you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture, offering clear pathways for professional development and long-term career progression within education. With a focus on building trusting relationships and providing a nurturing environment, this role is perfect for those passionate about empowering vulnerable learners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Autism Support Assistant in Horley
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Randstad Education, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Autism Support Assistant in Horley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Randstad Education. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Randstad Education. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Education
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Randstad Education.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Autism Support Assistant role at Randstad Education, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Randstad Education that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
