At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with social, emotional, and mental health needs to help them thrive.
- Company: Inclusive academy focused on nurturing and empowering every student.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-based increments, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a compassionate team dedicated to helping vulnerable learners succeed.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career in education.
- Qualifications: Level 2 English & Maths, excellent communication skills, and a patient attitude.
The predicted salary is between 28351 - 30681 £ per year.
We wish to recruit a motivated SEMH Support Assistant on a 1-year fixed-term contract who is committed to helping all students achieve their potential.
Salary Range: Band 3 FTE £28,351 - £30,681. Actual starting salary £24,316 with performance-based yearly increments.
Working Weeks: 39 weeks (Term Time) and Parent/Open evening as required.
Working Hours: 37 hours per week (On Site 08:00 -16:00 Mon/Thurs and Outreach 08:00-15:30 Fri).
Contract: 1 Year Fixed.
We pride ourselves on being a truly inclusive academy, and this is actively underpinned by our motto ‘Aspire Believe Achieve’. We run our own in-house Enhanced Provisions to provide support for young people, guided by the values of Trauma Perceptive Practice (TPP). Evolve is designed to offer early intervention and support for students with significant social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs in their transition from KS2 to KS3. Our aim is to provide a nurturing, therapeutic environment where students can overcome barriers, build resilience, and re-engage with their education. This provision is based at our Lower Academy and is where the successful candidate will begin their BA career.
The role:
- To support learners’ reintegration and transition back to their referring setting or named provider, helping to ensure continuity of care, consistency of strategies, and positive long-term outcomes.
- Deliver outreach support to referring schools within the South Quadrant.
- To work as part of a compassionate, professional team to support and enable the social, emotional and academic progress of vulnerable learners.
- To contribute towards the positive impact of the SEMH Enhanced Provision where every child has hope and the opportunity to reach their own potential regardless of their starting point.
- To provide high-quality support for children who require targeted support to develop their social and emotional skills.
- To work under the professional direction of the Head of Provision, including contributing to a safe learning environment, consistent relationships, teaching, and assessment.
The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:
- Excellent numeracy/literacy skills - equivalent to Level 2 in English & Maths.
- Use of ICT effectively to support learning.
- Be able to evidence the ability to work independently, show your own initiative, and be able to make decisions confidently.
- Have a patient, encouraging and resilient demeanour.
- Have excellent interpersonal skills, with clear and concise communication.
- Ability to effectively manage their own wellbeing in a challenging, high-paced environment where adults are often exposed to secondary trauma and challenging crisis incidents.
Closing Date: Monday 24th August 2026.
Interviews WC 31/08 or 07/09.
Position Available: September 2026.
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications or are able to fill the position faster than originally anticipated.
SEMH Support Assistant employer: The Basildon Lower Academy
The Basildon Lower Academy offers a vibrant and supportive work environment for passionate educators, particularly those specialising in the performing arts. With a strong emphasis on professional development and collaboration within a dedicated team, this role provides an excellent opportunity to inspire young musicians while participating in exciting school events. Located in Vange, the academy fosters a culture of creativity and growth, making it an ideal place for teachers looking to make a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
The Basildon Lower Academy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Support Assistant
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to The Basildon Lower Academy, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace SEMH Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of The Basildon Lower Academy. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at The Basildon Lower Academy. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Basildon Lower Academy
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with The Basildon Lower Academy.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary SEMH Support Assistant role at The Basildon Lower Academy, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show The Basildon Lower Academy that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
