At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEMH needs in a structured and compassionate environment.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at a specialist SEMH provision in Portsmouth.
- Benefits: Ongoing training, professional development, and potential for permanent roles.
- Other info: Collaborative staff team focused on emotional development and positive behaviour.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people facing challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or young people, especially in SEMH settings.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
A specialist SEMH provision in the Portsmouth area is seeking committed, resilient, and compassionate Learning Support Assistants to join its dedicated team. This setting supports pupils aged 10–16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, often alongside additional learning difficulties, autism spectrum conditions, attachment needs, and speech and communication challenges. Pupils may present with challenging behaviour. The provision offers a highly structured, consistent, and supportive environment focused on emotional regulation, positive relationships, and re‑engagement with education.
The Role
- Provide in-class and 1:1 support for pupils with SEMH needs
- Support students in managing emotions, behaviour, and engagement with learning
- Implement behaviour support strategies and individual support plans
- Work collaboratively with teachers, SEN staff, and external professionals
- Contribute to a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment
Who We’re Looking For
- Have experience supporting children or young people, ideally within an SEMH, behaviour, or alternative provision setting
- Can remain calm, patient, and consistent when supporting challenging behaviour
- Are committed to supporting young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs
- Demonstrate resilience, reliability, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Applicants with transferable experience from behaviour support, youth work, care or residential settings, mental health services, or family support are encouraged to apply.
What’s On Offer
- A supportive and collaborative staff team
- A specialist SEMH environment focused on emotional development and positive behaviour
- Ongoing training and professional development, including behaviour management strategies
- Temporary-to-permanent opportunities with long‑term progression potential
Safeguarding
In line with safeguarding requirements, all applicants must hold an Enhanced DBS certificate for the Child Workforce registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one. This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals seeking a September start supporting young people aged 10–16 within a specialist SEMH setting. 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’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
Semh Teaching Assistant- September in Plymouth 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- September in Plymouth
✨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 Semh Teaching Assistant- September in Plymouth
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.
