At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with additional needs in engaging with education and managing behaviour.
- Company: Join a supportive team in Bristol's specialist SEN and SEMH schools.
- Benefits: Weekly pay, ongoing training, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Immediate starts available with potential for permanent roles.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Degree holder with experience supporting young people; resilience and patience are key.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Are you a recent graduate looking to build a meaningful career working with young people? We are recruiting Graduate Behaviour Support Assistants to work across specialist SEN and SEMH schools in Bristol. These are long-term, full-time roles offering hands-on experience supporting students with additional needs, alongside structured training and clear progression opportunities. This is an excellent opportunity for graduates considering careers in educational psychology, teaching, social work, youth justice or mental health.
The Role
As a Graduate Behaviour Support Assistant, you will work closely with pupils who require additional support to engage with education and manage their behaviour. You will support students on a 1:1 basis and in small groups, helping them develop emotional regulation, confidence and positive engagement in lessons. Pupils you support may have:
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- Autism (ASC), ADHD or communication differences
- Anxiety, low confidence or attachment needs
- Behavioural challenges or disengagement from school
Some students may present behaviours that challenge. This role requires resilience, patience and a calm, consistent approach, but offers highly rewarding outcomes as students build trust and progress.
Working in Bristol SEMH Schools
You will be placed within specialist schools across Bristol, matched to your experience and career goals. These environments typically offer:
- Small class sizes and strong staff support
- Dedicated behaviour and pastoral teams
- Structured routines that help students succeed
- Opportunities to learn from experienced SEN professionals
Key Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1 and small group support
- Support behaviour strategies and emotional regulation
- Build positive, consistent relationships with pupils
- Help pupils engage with learning and daily routines
- Work closely with teachers and pastoral teams
- Contribute to a safe, structured and supportive environment
Graduate Profile
We are looking for graduates who:
- Hold a degree (Psychology, Education, Criminology or related fields are particularly relevant)
- Have experience supporting young people (e.g. tutoring, coaching, mentoring, care work)
- Are interested in behaviour, mental health or SEN
- Are resilient, patient and motivated to make a difference
Previous school experience is beneficial, but not essential.
Training Career Pathway
This role provides a strong foundation for long-term careers, including:
- Funded training in SEN, behaviour and safeguarding
- CPD including behaviour management and de-escalation
- Hands-on experience with complex needs
- Progression opportunities into:
- Behaviour Mentor roles
- Teaching Assistant / HLTA roles
- Teacher training pathways
- Further study in psychology or related fields
What You Will Receive
- Weekly pay via PAYE (no umbrella deductions)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Support from experienced consultants and school staff
- Opportunities for permanent roles
Why Apply?
- Gain valuable, relevant experience for competitive graduate career paths
- Work in a role where you can see real progress and impact
- Build practical skills in behaviour support and SEN
- Be part of a supportive and structured school environment
Apply now to be considered for immediate roles across Bristol SEMH schools. Interviews and trial days are available. All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. 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’. 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.
Graduate Behaviour Support Assistant (SEN / SEMH) - Bristol employer: Teaching Personnel
Teaching Personnel is an exceptional employer for recent graduates seeking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. With a strong focus on professional development, you will receive ongoing training and support while working in a structured and nurturing environment across Bristol's specialist SEN and SEMH schools. This role not only offers valuable hands-on experience but also clear pathways for career progression into teaching and related fields, making it an ideal starting point for those passionate about education and mental health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Behaviour Support Assistant (SEN / SEMH) - Bristol
✨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 Graduate Behaviour Support Assistant (SEN / SEMH) - Bristol
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.
