At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' emotional wellbeing and help them develop essential skills for success.
- Company: Inclusive secondary school in Wellingborough with a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, health support, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to fostering emotional resilience and learning engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help them thrive academically.
- Qualifications: Experience in education or youth work; ELSA training preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about supporting young people's emotional wellbeing and helping them develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond? Do you have the patience, empathy, and understanding to make a real difference to students facing social, emotional, or mental health challenges?
Tradewind Recruitment is working with a supportive and inclusive secondary setting in Wellingborough seeking an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) to join their pastoral and inclusion team. This is a full‑time role available for a September 2026 start, ideal for someone with experience in education, pastoral support, or youth work who is looking to develop their career in a specialist support role.
Working under the guidance of the SENDCo and inclusion team, you will support students who require additional help with emotional regulation, resilience, self‑esteem, and engagement with learning.
Your Role Will Include:
- Supporting students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, including anxiety, EBSA, and emotional dysregulation
- Delivering targeted, planned emotional literacy interventions (1:1 and small group)
- Helping students develop coping strategies, resilience, and emotional awareness
- Supporting the planning, delivery, and evaluation of intervention programmes
- Working closely with the SENDCo, pastoral team, and teaching staff to ensure consistent support
- Acting as a key point of contact for students requiring emotional or behavioural support
- Encouraging positive relationships, engagement, and access to learning
Who We're Looking For:
- ELSA trained, or willing to undertake ELSA training
- Experience working with young people in an educational, pastoral, or support role
- Strong understanding of SEMH needs, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing
- A calm, patient, and empathetic approach
- Excellent communication and active listening skills
- A genuine passion for helping young people overcome barriers to learning
What You'll Receive:
- A full‑time, rewarding role in a supportive Welingborough‑based setting
- Competitive salary depending on experience and responsibilities
- Access to ongoing CPD and training opportunities
- Supportive pastoral and SEND team environment
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to counselling and assistance services
- Enrolment into a pension scheme (where applicable)
- Opportunities for long‑term progression within pastoral or SEND pathways
If you're ready to support students in developing emotional resilience and help them re‑engage positively with education, we would love to hear from you. Apply now.
Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) in Northampton employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Tradewind Recruitment is an excellent employer for those passionate about supporting young people's emotional wellbeing, offering a full-time role as an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) in a nurturing Wellingborough setting. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities, a supportive team environment, and health and wellbeing resources, making it an ideal place for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in education and grow within the pastoral or SEND pathways.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) in Northampton
✨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 Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) in Northampton
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.
