At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs and help them thrive in a school environment.
- Company: Specialist education setting in Colchester focused on compassionate support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to build strong relationships and foster independence.
- Why this job: Join a rewarding role where your compassion and resilience can truly shine.
- Qualifications: Experience in care, youth work, or similar fields is highly desirable.
The predicted salary is between 22500 - 27500 £ per year.
Location: Colchester, Essex
Role: SEMH Support Staff / Learning Support Assistant
Experience: SEMH or relevant transferable experience highly desirable
Are you experienced in supporting people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, challenging behaviour or complex needs? Perhaps your experience hasn't been within a school, but you've developed valuable skills working in a residential home, the Prison Service, NHS mental health services, care, youth work or another challenging environment.
We are looking for resilient, confident and compassionate individuals to join a specialist education setting in Colchester, supporting children and young people with SEMH and additional needs.
Your Transferable Experience Matters
You do not need to come from a traditional education background. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who have experience working with individuals with mental health needs, challenging behaviour, trauma or complex social and emotional needs.
Your experience could include:
- Residential care or children's homes – supporting young people with complex needs, trauma or challenging behaviour
- Prison Service or secure settings – managing challenging situations, maintaining professional boundaries and using de-escalation skills
- NHS or mental health services – supporting individuals experiencing mental health difficulties or complex emotional needs
- Youth work, outreach or mentoring – building positive relationships with vulnerable or disengaged young people
- SEMH or SEN schools – supporting pupils with behavioural, emotional or additional needs
- Care and support work – helping individuals with complex needs develop independence and positive routines
If you've developed the ability to remain calm under pressure, build trust, set clear boundaries and understand behaviour, your experience could transfer extremely well into an SEMH school environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting pupils with SEMH and additional needs throughout the school day
- Building strong, positive and professional relationships with young people
- Supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups
- Helping pupils regulate their emotions and remain engaged with learning
- Using positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies
- Supporting young people who may have experienced trauma or significant challenges
- Encouraging confidence, independence and positive decision-making
- Working alongside teachers, pastoral teams and other specialist professionals
- Helping create a structured, safe and supportive environment
We’re Looking For Someone Who
- Ideally has previous SEMH experience or strong transferable experience
- Has worked within residential care, the Prison Service, NHS mental health services, youth work, SEN, support work or a similar environment
- Is confident working with young people who may display challenging behaviour
- Can remain calm and professional in difficult situations
Student Mentor in Colchester employer: TeacherActive
Teacher Active is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, particularly for those passionate about the arts. Located in Southall, this secondary school offers unique opportunities for professional growth and development, allowing educators to lead innovative programmes and inspire students in Drama and performing arts. With a commitment to excellence and creativity, Teacher Active champions the value of the arts, making it an ideal place for dedicated professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
