Behaviour Support Specialist (SEMH Schools) - Bristol

Behaviour Support Specialist (SEMH Schools) - Bristol

Full-Time No working from home possible
Teaching Personnel

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support students with behaviour challenges in SEMH schools, making a real difference every day.
  • Company: Join a dedicated team in Bristol focused on student wellbeing and behaviour management.
  • Benefits: Weekly pay, long-term placements, training opportunities, and career progression.
  • Other info: Immediate starts available with supportive training and development.
  • Why this job: Be a positive role model and help students thrive in structured environments.
  • Qualifications: Experience in behaviour management or working with young people is essential.

Full-Time | Term-Time Only | Long-Term Roles Immediate Starts | Training Career Progression

Are you confident managing behaviour and looking for a role where your skills are genuinely valued? We are recruiting Behaviour Support Specialists to work across SEMH schools in Bristol, supporting pupils who require structure, consistency and strong, reliable adults in the classroom. This role is suited to individuals who already have experience managing behaviour in challenging environments - this is not a passive support role, but a hands-on position where your approach and presence make a real difference every day.

About the Role

You will work closely with pupils who experience challenges with behaviour, emotional regulation and engagement in school. Supporting students on a 1:1 basis and in small groups, your role will focus on:

  • Maintaining structure, boundaries and expectations
  • Supporting pupils to regulate behaviour and stay engaged
  • De-escalating situations calmly and confidently
  • Building trust with students who may be disengaged from education
  • Acting as a consistent, positive role model

Some pupils may present behaviours that challenge. This role requires confidence, resilience and strong behaviour management skills, but offers highly rewarding outcomes.

This Role Is Ideal If You:

  • Are confident managing behaviour and setting boundaries
  • Stay calm under pressure and don’t take behaviour personally
  • Have experience working in fast-paced or high-challenge environments
  • Can build respect and rapport with young people
  • Want a role where your input genuinely impacts outcomes

Strong Backgrounds for This Role Include:

  • Teaching Assistants with SEN or behaviour experience
  • Sports coaches or team leaders used to leading groups
  • Support workers (residential, outreach, mental health)
  • Youth workers or mentoring roles
  • Graduates with practical experience supporting young people

Working in SEMH Schools (Bristol)

You’ll be working in structured school environments with:

  • Small class sizes and strong staffing ratios
  • Clear behaviour systems and routines
  • Dedicated pastoral and behaviour teams
  • Experienced staff who understand SEMH

These are settings where consistency and teamwork matter, and where your skills will be supported and developed.

Training Career Progression

This role offers a clear pathway into specialist support work:

  • Behaviour management and de-escalation training
  • CPD in SEMH, safeguarding and SEN
  • Opportunities to progress into:
    • Behaviour Mentor roles
    • Pastoral and inclusion roles
    • Senior support positions
    • Teacher training pathways

What You Will Receive

  • Weekly PAYE pay (no umbrella deductions)
  • Long-term, stable placements (not day-to-day supply)
  • Supportive and experienced school environments
  • Dedicated consultant support
  • Opportunities for permanent roles

Why Apply?

  • Move into a role where behaviour management is recognised as a skill
  • Work in structured environments with clear expectations
  • Build a long-term career in SEN and behaviour support
  • Make a genuine difference to pupils who need consistency and strong role models

Apply now to be considered for immediate opportunities across SEMH schools in Bristol. Trial days and interviews available. All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.

Behaviour Support Specialist (SEMH Schools) - Bristol employer: Teaching Personnel

Teaching Personnel is an exceptional employer for Behaviour Support Specialists in Bristol, offering a supportive and structured work environment where your skills in behaviour management are truly valued. With opportunities for professional development, including training in SEMH and pathways to permanent roles, you will be part of a dedicated team that makes a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils who need strong role models. Enjoy the benefits of working in small class sizes with experienced staff, ensuring that your contributions lead to rewarding outcomes for students.

Teaching Personnel

Contact Details:

Teaching Personnel Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Behaviour Support Specialist (SEMH Schools) - Bristol

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We think you need these skills to ace Behaviour Support Specialist (SEMH Schools) - Bristol

Behaviour Management
De-escalation Techniques
Emotional Regulation Support
Building Trust and Rapport
Resilience
Calmness Under Pressure
Experience in Challenging Environments

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 Teaching Personnel:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Teaching Personnel! 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 Teaching Personnel

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.

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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.

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