At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs in educational settings.
- Company: Teaching Personnel, a leader in education recruitment with a focus on wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, specialist training, and dedicated support from a consultant.
- Other info: Immediate start available, with long-term and permanent opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or similar needs; emotional intelligence and resilience are key.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 27000 £ per year.
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Contract: Full-time, long-term and permanent
Salary: 22,000 – 27,000 per annum
Start date: Immediate start available, and September 2026
Agency: Teaching Personnel
Teaching Personnel is looking for Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) support staff for specialist provisions and mainstream schools with SEMH units across Horsham. We have roles available for an immediate start and for September 2026, and we need full-time professionals who bring empathy, resilience and real skill to some of the most meaningful work in education.
SEMH settings work with young people who have often experienced significant trauma, instability or adversity. The right support professional understands that behaviour is communication, and responds with consistency, patience and a genuine belief that every young person can make progress when they feel safe and understood.
What the role involves:
- Building consistent, trusted relationships with pupils who have social, emotional and mental health needs.
- Supporting pupils in classroom settings and during pastoral or intervention sessions.
- Using restorative, trauma-informed and emotion-coaching approaches to support positive behaviour.
- Assisting with emotional regulation strategies, de-escalation and crisis support as needed.
- Working within a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing.
- Collaborating with teachers, pastoral leads, school counsellors and external agencies.
- Maintaining accurate records and following safeguarding and confidentiality procedures at all times.
What we are looking for:
- Experience working with young people with SEMH, behavioural, emotional or mental health needs.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, restorative approaches or therapeutic support is a significant advantage.
- Emotionally intelligent, self-aware and able to regulate your own responses under pressure.
- Confident in de-escalation and positive behaviour management.
- Full-time availability across the school week, term-time.
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.
What you will gain:
- Competitive full-time salary commensurate with experience.
- Specialist training in SEMH, trauma-informed practice and mental health first aid.
- A dedicated Teaching Personnel consultant who takes time to find the right school for you.
- Immediate start roles available, alongside September 2026 placements.
- Long-term and permanent contract opportunities with schools that value and develop their staff.
Please apply now for further information. 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’.
Mental Health Support Assistants in Horsham employer: Teaching Personnel
Contact Detail:
Teaching Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Support Assistants in Horsham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH. They might know of openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEMH support. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role, so you can showcase your skills and empathy.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for mental health support during interviews. Share stories that highlight your resilience and ability to connect with young people facing challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and you’re considered for the roles that suit you best.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Support Assistants in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives, especially in SEMH settings.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with SEMH or similar roles. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Authentic: We appreciate authenticity! Share your personal journey and insights into why you want to work in this field. It helps us understand who you are beyond just your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Know Your SEMH Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) practices. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed approaches and restorative techniques, as these will likely come up in the interview. Being able to discuss specific strategies you've used or learned about will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your understanding of the importance of empathy in supporting young people with SEMH needs. Share personal experiences or examples where you've successfully built trusting relationships with students. This will highlight your ability to connect with pupils who may have faced significant challenges.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations involving emotional regulation or crisis support. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and prepare your responses. This will help you articulate your thought process and showcase your problem-solving skills under pressure.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to mental health and wellbeing, or how they support their staff in professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.