At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with emotional and mental health needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: A compassionate specialist secondary school in North London.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and help them overcome barriers to education.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or young people with SEMH or SEND is desirable.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
A highly supportive specialist secondary school in North London is seeking compassionate, resilient and confident Behavioural Learning Support Assistants to join its dedicated team on a full-time basis. The school supports students aged 11-19 who have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, alongside a range of additional diagnoses including Autism, ADHD, speech and language needs, trauma-related behaviours and associated learning difficulties. Many students have experienced significant barriers to education, including adverse childhood experiences, family breakdown, neglect or other challenging life circumstances. As a result, they require patient, consistent staff who can build trusting relationships, provide emotional stability and help them re-engage with learning.
The Role
- Support students on a 1:1 basis and in small groups throughout the school day.
- Build positive, professional relationships with pupils to encourage engagement and progress.
- Promote emotional regulation using restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
- Support students during lessons, transitions and unstructured times.
- Work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to implement behaviour support strategies.
- Assist with personalised learning and targeted interventions.
- Encourage independence, resilience and confidence.
- Help create a safe, nurturing and structured learning environment.
The Ideal Candidate
- Experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND or behavioural needs is desirable.
- Calm, resilient and able to remain composed in challenging situations.
- Able to build positive relationships through empathy, consistency and clear boundaries.
- Confident supporting students who may display behaviours that challenge.
- Passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to education.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
If you’re passionate about supporting young people and want to make a real difference in education, we’d love to hear from you.
Timeplan Education are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of children and young people and expect all staff to show this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to complete Disclosure and Barring Service declarations in line with Section 115 of the Police Act 1997. You will also be required to provide 2 professional references covering at least the last 2 years, and complete our online application followed by a video or face to face interview. Timeplan education is a committed Equal Opportunities Employer and therefore will not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation.
Mental Health Teaching Assistant employer: TimePlan Education
TimePlan Education is an exceptional employer that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional development, making it an ideal place for both Early Career Teachers and seasoned educators. Located in Northampton, the supportive academy environment fosters collaboration within a dedicated Science department, ensuring that teachers can inspire their students while also growing in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Teaching Assistant
✨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 TimePlan Education.
✨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 TimePlan Education!
✨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 TimePlan Education, 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 TimePlan Education 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 Mental Health Teaching Assistant
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 TimePlan Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to TimePlan Education! 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 TimePlan Education
✨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.
