Learning Support Assistant (SEMH) in Blackburn

Learning Support Assistant (SEMH) in Blackburn

Blackburn Full-Time 22500 - 27500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Teaching Personnel

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children with social, emotional, and mental health needs in a nurturing environment.
  • Company: Join a dedicated team in a specialist SEMH setting.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and the chance to make a real difference.
  • Other info: Opportunity for permanent position and professional development in a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Transform lives by helping young people overcome challenges and achieve their potential.
  • Qualifications: Experience with SEMH needs and a passion for supporting vulnerable learners.

The predicted salary is between 22500 - 27500 £ per year.

  • Temporary to Permanent Opportunity
  • Term Time Only

Are you passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people who have experienced significant challenges in their early lives?

We are seeking dedicated, resilient and compassionate Learning Support Assistants to join a specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) setting supporting pupils across both primary and secondary phases.

This is a temporary to permanent position commencing in September, offering an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding career within specialist education.

You will support pupils who present with a range of social, emotional and behavioural needs, many of whom have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma, attachment difficulties, neglect, loss, family instability, or disrupted educational journeys.

Working closely with teaching staff and pastoral teams, you will help create a safe, consistent and nurturing environment where pupils can develop confidence, resilience and achieve positive outcomes both academically and socially.

  • Provide one-to-one and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs.
  • Foster positive, trusting relationships that promote emotional regulation and engagement in learning.
  • Support pupils who may display behaviours that challenge, including dysregulation, verbal aggression, conflict, avoidance, anxiety, low self-esteem or disengagement from education.
  • Implement behaviour support strategies using a trauma-informed and restorative approach.
  • Help pupils develop social skills, emotional literacy and coping strategies.
  • Support teaching and learning activities across the curriculum.
  • Maintain accurate records and contribute to pupil progress reviews.
  • Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, pastoral teams and external professionals.
  • Experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, SEND, behavioural challenges or vulnerable learners.
  • An understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), attachment difficulties and trauma-informed practice.
  • The ability to remain calm, patient and professional in challenging situations.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
  • A genuine passion for supporting young people to overcome barriers to learning.
  • Strong resilience, empathy and emotional intelligence.
  • Experience within alternative provision, SEMH schools, SEND settings, youth work, residential care or similar environments is highly desirable.
  • Opportunity to secure a permanent position following a successful temporary period.
  • A supportive and experienced leadership team.
  • Ongoing professional development and specialist SEMH training.
  • A rewarding role where every day makes a difference.
  • The opportunity to positively impact the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

This role involves regulated activity with children and young people.

The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment.

If you are resilient, compassionate and committed to helping children and young people overcome the impact of trauma and adversity, we would love to hear from you.

Job Type

Temporary to Permanent

Hours

Term Time Only

Start Date

September 2026

Setting

Primary & Secondary SEMH Provision

Salary

Competitive and dependent on experience.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role.

Please see the FAQ's on the Teaching Personnel website for details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay.

This advert is for a temporary position.

In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with Df E statutory guidance 'Keeping Children Safe in Edu

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Learning Support Assistant (SEMH) in Blackburn employer: Teaching Personnel

Join a supportive and nurturing educational environment as a Part Time Teacher in the BB4 area, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of Upper Key Stage 2 pupils. With competitive pay, small class sizes, and dedicated consultant support, this role offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth and the chance to inspire young minds in a welcoming community. Embrace the rewarding experience of teaching while enjoying the flexibility of a part-time schedule.

Teaching Personnel

Contact Details:

Teaching Personnel Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant (SEMH) in Blackburn

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 Teaching Personnel.

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 Teaching Personnel!

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 Teaching Personnel, 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 Teaching Personnel 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 Learning Support Assistant (SEMH) in Blackburn

Communication Skills
Adaptability
Flexibility
Teamwork
Compassion
Organizational Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

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.

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.