At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEMH needs, adapting to their diverse backgrounds and helping them thrive.
- Company: Joseph Norton Academy, part of Wellspring Academy Trust, with a unique approach to education.
- Benefits: Term time hours, ongoing training, and support for career progression.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy school holidays off to recharge.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your own skills and career.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths preferred; patience and empathy are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Joseph Norton Academy (part of the Wellspring Academy Trust), we do school a bit differently. We support wonderful children and young people with complex social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. No two days are ever the same here. Our pupils have ever changing needs due to their diverse backgrounds, which means we adapt, support, and grow together every single day. Above all, the most important things you can bring to this role are patience, empathy, a willingness to learn, and a genuine drive to help our pupils succeed.
Location: Busker Lane, Scissett, Huddersfield until we move to our brand new school in Deighton. Please note, if you live local to Deighton but Scissett is not commutable via public transport, we may be able to offer assistance with travel.
Hours: 32.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday (Term time only plus 5 inset days).
We are growing and looking for positive, resilient people to join our supportive team in one of two key roles:
- Teaching Assistant
- Perfect if: You are starting out in your career, looking to build classroom confidence, or don't quite meet the criteria for the ISW role yet.
- The Role: Keep the classroom structured and running smoothly by prepping resources, helping pupils with reading and academic work, and establishing positive routines.
- The Path: This is the perfect stepping stone to gain the experience, training and driving qualifications needed to progress into our Inclusion team.
- Inclusion Support Worker
- Perfect if: You have a keen interest in working in SEMH education, have the relevant qualifications (Maths and English) and hold a valid driving licence.
- The Role: Work across the school, community and family homes. You will act as a calm co-regulator during challenging moments, use approved de-escalation techniques, and work closely with families to build solid routines.
- The Path: This is the perfect position to help you develop the tools to become an Instructor or Positive Engagement Coach in the future.
What You Need
- Experience in a school or similar setting is desirable but not essential (SEMH experience is a bonus).
- GCSEs in English and Maths (or equivalent). Support may be provided for suitable candidates if you are willing to work towards these qualifications.
- A full driving licence OR a genuine willingness to learn (we can help fund your driving lessons if you start as a TA!).
- The absolute essentials? Patience, understanding, a willingness to learn, and the drive to help our pupils thrive.
What is in it for You?
- Clear Progression: Start as a TA and we will train, support and help fund your driving lessons to progress you to an ISW. Start as an Inclusion Support Worker and we will support you to progress within our setting, whether you'd like to become a Positive Engagement Coach or an Instructor.
- Great Balance And Support: Term time hours mean school holidays off to recharge. Our Senior Leaders are approachable, supportive and open.
- Culture & Perks: Exceptional ongoing training and brilliant trust benefits through Wellspring Academy Trust.
Ready to Apply? Please complete our online application form here: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/143227/EDV-2026-JNA-09197. Unsure which role fits you best? Apply anyway! We will look at your experience and chat through the best starting point for you. For an informal chat, email Lauren at lleibrick@wellspringacademies.org.uk.
We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We want our people to reflect our diverse communities and create a safe space in which everyone belongs. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and especially those from under-represented groups including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All posts are offered subject to enhanced DBS checks and appropriate references. All posts are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early so if you are interested - apply ASAP.
SEMH Inclusion Support Worker — Grow Your Career employer: Wellspring Academy Trust
Wellspring Academy Trust is an exceptional employer for Speech and Language Therapists, offering a unique opportunity to work within a supportive educational community dedicated to transforming the lives of children with diverse needs. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, you will enjoy 13 weeks of leave per year and a culture that prioritises professional growth through regular supervision and CPD opportunities. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of a collaborative and inclusive environment across our vibrant school sites in North and West Yorkshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Inclusion Support Worker — Grow Your Career
✨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 Wellspring Academy Trust.
✨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 Wellspring Academy Trust!
✨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 Wellspring Academy Trust, 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 Wellspring Academy Trust 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 SEMH Inclusion Support Worker — Grow Your Career
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 Wellspring Academy Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Wellspring Academy Trust! 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 Wellspring Academy Trust
✨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.
