At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' social, emotional, and mental health needs in a school environment.
- Company: The Derby High School, a supportive and inclusive educational institution.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and professional development in a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Join us to empower students and help them thrive academically and emotionally.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH students and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33483 £ per year.
Required for September 2026
GRADE 9 Pt 18 - Pt 23: FTE 35 hours per week, term time only plus 5 days Permanent Contract
The Derby High School in Bury, Greater Manchester, is seeking to appoint a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Social, Emotional and Mental Health). We are looking for someone with the relevant qualifications, skills and experience who has a passion and commitment to improving the Speech, Language and Communication outcomes of students. This is an exciting new role, working under the direction of the Assistant Headteacher – SEND. The post-holder will have the opportunity to make a significant difference to the success of students at The Derby High School.
Qualifications and Experience
- Experience of working with students who have barriers to learning related to their social, emotional and mental health (SEMH), including an understanding of trauma-informed approaches.
- Experience of working within a school environment (ideally Primary or Secondary sectors).
- Experience of planning and delivering targeted SEMH interventions, including those that support emotional regulation, resilience and self-esteem.
- Ability to plan and deliver structured, adaptive work for small groups of students with diverse SEMH needs.
- Ability to build safe, trusting and consistent relationships with pupils to support engagement, behaviour for learning and emotional wellbeing.
- Ability to recognise and respond appropriately to dysregulated behaviour, using de-escalation strategies and positive behaviour support approaches.
- Understanding of attachment-aware practice and its impact on learning and behaviour.
- Ability to work effectively with parents and carers to provide guidance and consistency in strategies that support social, emotional and mental health.
- Commitment to promoting inclusion and removing barriers to learning for vulnerable learners.
- Excellent organisational, record-keeping and communication skills, including the ability to contribute to support plans and reviews.
- Ability to work independently with initiative, while also contributing positively to a wider pastoral or inclusion team.
- Strong relationship-building skills with pupils, staff and external professionals.
- Flexibility, resilience and adaptability when responding to the changing needs of students.
- Values that are aligned with The Derby’s vision and values – Inspired to Make a Difference.
In line with our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students, appointment will be subject to a full DBS check and references. Please note that in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 an online search will be carried out as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) employer: The Derby High School
The Derby High School in Bury, Greater Manchester, is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a strong commitment to employee development, the school offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and collaboration, allowing staff to make a meaningful impact on students' social, emotional, and mental health. The vibrant community and focus on innovative teaching practices create a rewarding atmosphere for those passionate about education and student wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Social, Emotional and Mental Health)
✨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 The Derby High School.
✨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 The Derby High School!
✨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 The Derby High School, 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 The Derby High School 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 Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Social, Emotional and Mental Health)
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 The Derby High School:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Derby High School! 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 The Derby High School
✨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.
