At a Glance
- Tasks: Support secondary pupils with SEMH needs, building relationships and assisting in lessons.
- Company: A dedicated Pupil Referral Unit in South Manchester focused on student success.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Full-time position starting September 2026 with ongoing support from Tradewind Recruitment.
- Why this job: Join a rewarding role where you can positively impact young lives every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or similar settings, strong communication skills, and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
SEMH Support Assistant - Secondary PRU South Manchester Full-Time September 2026 Start
Tradewind Recruitment are recruiting on behalf of a well-established Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in South Manchester, seeking a dedicated and resilient Support Assistant to join their team on a full-time basis from September 2026. This rewarding role involves supporting secondary-aged pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs who require additional support to engage positively with education. The successful candidate will work closely with teaching staff and pastoral teams to help students achieve both academically and personally.
The Role
- Supporting pupils aged 11-16 with SEMH needs on a 1:1 and small-group basis.
- Building positive relationships with students and acting as a consistent role model.
- Assisting teachers in delivering engaging and inclusive lessons.
- Supporting pupils to manage their emotions, behaviour and learning effectively.
- Promoting a safe, nurturing and structured learning environment.
- Contributing to behaviour support strategies and pastoral interventions.
The Ideal Candidate
- Experience working with young people with SEMH, behavioural needs, or additional learning needs.
- A calm, patient and resilient approach to supporting challenging behaviour.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- A genuine passion for helping vulnerable young people succeed.
- Previous experience in education, youth work, residential care, sports coaching, mentoring or similar settings is desirable.
The School
This South Manchester PRU provides specialist support for secondary-aged students who require an alternative educational setting. The school is committed to creating positive outcomes for pupils through high levels of care, support and personalised learning.
Benefits
- Full-time role starting September 2026.
- Competitive daily rate of pay.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful difference to young people's lives.
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
- Dedicated support from Tradewind Recruitment throughout your placement.
Apply Now
If you are passionate about supporting young people with SEMH needs and are looking for a rewarding full-time role in South Manchester, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please contact Tradewind Recruitment today or submit your CV for immediate consideration.
Behaviour Support in Manchester employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Tradewind Recruitment is an excellent employer for those seeking a fulfilling role in education, particularly as a Behaviour Support Assistant in South Manchester. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive work culture, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. The opportunity to work in a nurturing environment alongside dedicated staff ensures that every team member can grow both personally and professionally while contributing to positive educational outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Behaviour Support in Manchester
✨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 Tradewind Recruitment.
✨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 Tradewind Recruitment!
✨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 Tradewind Recruitment, 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 Tradewind Recruitment 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 Behaviour Support in Manchester
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 Tradewind Recruitment:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Tradewind Recruitment! 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 Tradewind Recruitment
✨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.