At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEMH needs and help them engage with education.
- Company: Specialist Alternative Provision in Greater Manchester.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, rewarding work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and positively impact young lives every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH needs, strong communication skills, and a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: M28, Greater Manchester
Pay: £110-£120 per day (depending on experience)
Job Type: Temporary to Long-Term
Start Date: September 2026
Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you have experience working with challenging behaviour and enjoy making a positive impact on the lives of pupils who need additional support?
We are looking for dedicated, resilient, and compassionate Support Staff to join a specialist Alternative Provision in the M28 area. This rewarding role involves supporting both primary and secondary-aged pupils, helping them to engage with education and achieve positive outcomes.
The Role
- Support pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with children and young people.
- Assist staff in delivering personalised learning and intervention programmes.
- Support pupils both on-site and during educational visits and off-site activities.
- Safely transport pupils to and from school, educational settings, appointments, and off-site activities as required.
- Encourage positive behaviour and emotional regulation using consistent behaviour management strategies.
- Work closely with teaching staff and other professionals to provide the best possible support for each pupil.
Requirements
- Have experience working with primary and/or secondary-aged pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
- Have transferable skills from youth work, mentoring, residential care, support work, sports coaching, or similar roles.
- Hold a full UK driving licence.
- Have business-use motor insurance or are willing to obtain it before starting the role.
- Are confident transporting pupils safely as part of their daily responsibilities.
- Are patient, resilient, flexible, and able to remain calm in challenging situations.
- Have excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Hold an Enhanced Child and Adult DBS registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for a new DBS.
Desirable Skills
- Previous experience in an Alternative Provision, PRU, or specialist education setting.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and positive behaviour support strategies.
- Team Teach or other de-escalation training (desirable but not essential).
- A good understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
If you're committed to helping children and young people overcome barriers to learning and thrive in a supportive environment, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to secure your September start.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Staff - Alternative Provision SEMH in Salford
✨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 Spencer Clarke Group, 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 Support Staff - Alternative Provision SEMH in Salford
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 Spencer Clarke Group. 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 Spencer Clarke Group. 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 Spencer Clarke Group
✨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 Spencer Clarke Group.
✨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 Support Staff - Alternative Provision SEMH role at Spencer Clarke Group, 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 Spencer Clarke Group that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
