At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEMH needs, helping them thrive academically and emotionally.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at a specialist SEMH provision in Liverpool and Wirral.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing training, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Long-term role with potential for permanent placement and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of students' journeys, helping them overcome challenges and succeed.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
Location: Liverpool & Wirral (multiple school sites)
Start Date: September 2026
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Long-term placement
Pay: £95–£120 per day (dependent on experience)
About the Role
Teaching Personnel is working in partnership with a specialist SEMH provision with multiple sites across Liverpool and the Wirral, supporting their recruitment for September 2026. We are seeking dedicated, resilient, and compassionate Teaching Assistants to support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs on a full-time, long-term basis. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people who require additional support to engage with education and achieve positive outcomes.
The provision supports students who may present with a range of needs, including SEMH difficulties, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, trauma-related behaviours, attachment needs, anxiety, and challenging behaviour. As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in helping pupils develop socially, emotionally, and academically within a supportive and structured environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs
- Build positive, professional relationships that promote trust and engagement
- Support students in managing emotions, behaviour, and social interactions
- Assist in implementing individual behaviour support plans and intervention strategies
- Encourage participation in learning and support pupils in overcoming barriers to education
- Promote positive behaviour and model appropriate coping strategies
- Support students both in the classroom and during unstructured times throughout the school day
- Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, pastoral teams, and external professionals
- Monitor and record pupil progress, achievements, and behavioural developments
- Maintain a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment
- Uphold safeguarding procedures and promote the wellbeing of all students
About You
We are looking for individuals who are passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and helping them succeed. You will be patient, empathetic, calm under pressure, and able to build strong relationships with students who may have experienced challenges both in and outside of education.
Experience within education is beneficial; however, we also welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in:
- Youth work
- Residential care
- Children's support work
- Mental health support
- Sports coaching
- Behaviour mentoring
- Community outreach
- Alternative provisions
- Social care settings
Essential Requirements
- Experience working with children or young people in a professional capacity
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to remain calm, adaptable, and resilient in challenging situations
- Confidence supporting students with behavioural, emotional, or additional learning needs
- A proactive and nurturing approach to behaviour management
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)
- Right to work in the UK
- GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent)
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Previous experience supporting pupils with SEMH needs
- Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification
- Experience within alternative provisions, special schools, or behaviour support settings
- Team Teach, MAPA, PRICE, or other de-escalation training
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and attachment-aware approaches
- Up-to-date safeguarding and child protection knowledge
Why Work Through Teaching Personnel?
- Long-term opportunities across Liverpool and the Wirral
- Competitive daily rates of pay
- Ongoing CPD and specialist SEMH training
- Dedicated support from an experienced Education Consultant
- Opportunity to secure a permanent position within the provision
- Chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people
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.
SEMH Teaching Assistant in Litherland 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Teaching Assistant in Litherland
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Get hands-on experience by volunteering with local charities or organisations in your area. This not only helps you build practical skills but also gets you noticed by potential placements like those at Teaching Personnel. Plus, they often have insider info on who’s hiring!
✨Join Student and Professional Networks
Tap into student networks and professional bodies related to social work. Attend events or workshops they organise, as this is a great way to meet people in the field and make valuable connections that could lead to placements at places like Teaching Personnel.
✨Showcase Your Passion Online
Start a blog or a social media page dedicated to social work topics. Share your thoughts on relevant issues or spotlight local projects you're involved in. This helps build your visibility and shows that you’re passionate, which placement providers like Teaching Personnel will definitely notice!
✨Stay Ahead with Applications
Many social work placements have specific application windows, so keep an eye on these and prepare early. Use university career services to refine your approach and research organisations like Teaching Personnel that align with your values and aspirations!
We think you need these skills to ace SEMH Teaching Assistant in Litherland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Empathy Skills:In social work, empathy isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the heart of the profession! Use your cover letter to highlight specific experiences where you've demonstrated compassion and understanding. Whether it's through volunteer work, previous placements, or even personal experiences, make sure Teaching Personnel sees your human side.
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Experiences:When crafting your CV, focus on your relevant experiences in social work or related fields. Include any placements, volunteering, or coursework that showcase your understanding of social issues. Don’t forget to mention any specific training or certifications you've acquired – it’s these details that’ll catch Teaching Personnel's attention!
Express Your Passion for Learning:Since this is a placement, show us how eager you are to learn and grow in the field of social work. In your cover letter, talk about why you chose social work as a career. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm for making a difference and your commitment to developing your skills on the job.
Include Real-World Examples:When discussing your skills and experiences, try to include concrete examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and teamwork. Whether it’s a group project from your studies, a case study you’ve worked on, or even life experiences, make those details shine in your application to show how you'd fit into the Teaching Personnel team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
When it comes to social work placements, it's all about demonstrating your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight your motivation for joining this field. We want to see that you've got that genuine passion and empathy that makes a great social worker.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving abilities and ethical judgement. They might ask how you’d handle a challenging client or navigate a sensitive situation, so think through your responses and be ready to show how you can apply your knowledge in real-life contexts. It’s a good idea to review common case studies in social work to get into the right mindset.
✨Know Your Theories
Brush up on the key social work theories and frameworks that underpin practice. Being able to reference these during your interview can really impress your interviewers at Teaching Personnel. We suggest relating them to your own understanding of situations, showing you're ready to apply theory to practice.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
Since this is a placement, your potential for growth is just as important as your current skills. Make sure to express your eagerness to learn from experienced professionals and your openness to feedback. Discuss how you plan to develop during your time at Teaching Personnel and how that aligns with your career goals in social work.