At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with SEMH needs, helping them regulate emotions and engage with learning.
- Company: Specialist SEN school in Gainsborough focused on emotional and academic development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and clear progression routes in SEN education.
- Other info: Join a supportive team prioritising staff wellbeing and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or challenging behaviour; strong communication and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 21500 - 25000 £ per year.
This role is based at a specialist SEN school in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, often alongside additional learning difficulties or neurodiversity such as ADHD or autism. The school caters for pupils aged 7–16 who have struggled to thrive in mainstream settings due to emotional regulation difficulties, trauma, anxiety, or behavioural challenges. Many pupils have experienced disrupted education and require a highly consistent, therapeutic, and relational approach. The school focuses on building trust, emotional safety, and self-regulation, alongside academic and life skills development. Staff are trained in trauma-informed practice and positive behaviour support, and the school prioritises staff wellbeing and teamwork.
As a SEN Teaching Assistant (SEMH), you will work closely with pupils who require significant emotional and behavioural support. You will help pupils regulate emotions, access learning, and develop coping strategies that enable them to engage positively with education. This is a demanding but highly rewarding role suited to individuals who are resilient, empathetic, and committed to supporting vulnerable young people. You will be a consistent and trusted adult, supporting pupils through moments of dysregulation and helping them re-engage with learning.
Key Responsibilities- Provide one-to-one and small group support for SEMH pupils
- Support emotional regulation and behaviour management
- Implement behaviour support and risk reduction plans
- Assist pupils with accessing learning activities
- Support literacy, numeracy, and vocational learning
- Use de-escalation and restorative approaches
- Support pupils during transitions and unstructured times
- Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils
- Record incidents, progress, and observations accurately
- Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and families
- Maintain high safeguarding and professional standards
The successful candidate will:
- Have experience supporting SEMH or challenging behaviour
- Be calm, resilient, and emotionally intelligent
- Understand trauma-informed and restorative practice
- Have strong communication and teamwork skills
- Be confident working with pupils with complex needs
- Hold a SEN or TA qualification (desirable)
- Be committed to safeguarding and inclusion
The school offers:
- SEMH and trauma-informed training
- Behaviour management and de-escalation training
- Ongoing mentoring and emotional support
- Clear progression routes within SEN education
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Enhanced DBS clearance is required.
SEN Teaching Assistant (Social, Emotional & Mental Health Needs) employer: Teamtailor
Our specialist SEN school in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for pupils aged 7-16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. We prioritise emotional safety and self-regulation, offering tailored support to help students overcome challenges and thrive academically and personally. With a strong focus on staff wellbeing and professional development, we foster a collaborative work culture that empowers our team to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant (Social, Emotional & Mental Health Needs)
✨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 Teamtailor.
✨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 Teamtailor!
✨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 Teamtailor, 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 Teamtailor 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 SEN Teaching Assistant (Social, Emotional & Mental Health Needs)
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 Teamtailor:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Teamtailor! 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 Teamtailor
✨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.
