At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with anxiety and trauma through 1:1 and group interactions.
- Company: Zen Educate, a compassionate and supportive educational provider.
- Benefits: Ongoing training, a nurturing team environment, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a team dedicated to transforming lives and fostering emotional wellbeing.
- Why this job: Empower young people by building trust and using shared interests to engage them.
- Qualifications: Experience with secondary pupils and understanding of trauma-informed practices.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Zen Educate is looking for an experienced and compassionate Teaching Assistant to support learners with anxiety and trauma backgrounds within a secondary specialist provision. This is a full-time, long-term role suited to someone who understands the importance of consistency, trust, and relationship-building in helping young people feel safe and ready to learn. You will work closely with students who may struggle with emotional regulation, engagement, and confidence, providing both academic and pastoral support. An important part of this role is the ability to connect with pupils through shared interests—whether that’s sport, art, music, gaming, or another hobby—using it as a bridge to build rapport and encourage participation.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1 and small group support for students with anxiety and trauma-related needs
- Build strong, trusting relationships to support emotional wellbeing and engagement
- Use a trauma-informed approach to manage behaviour and reduce barriers to learning
- Support access to the curriculum across subjects, adapting approaches as needed
- Incorporate personal interests or hobbies into interactions to motivate and relate to pupils
- Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff, and external professionals
- Monitor progress and contribute to support plans and reviews
About You
- Proven experience working with secondary-aged pupils, particularly those with anxiety or trauma backgrounds
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and emotional regulation strategies
- Patient, empathetic, and resilient, with a calm and consistent approach
- Able to build meaningful connections with young people
- Willing to share and use a personal hobby or interest as a tool for engagement
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
Desirable
- Relevant qualifications (e.g., Teaching Assistant, Youth Work, Psychology, Counselling)
- Experience in SEMH or alternative provision settings
- Training in safeguarding, behaviour support, or mental health first aid
What We Offer
- A supportive and nurturing team environment
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people
If you are passionate about supporting vulnerable learners and can bring both empathy and creativity to your role, we encourage you to apply.
Anxiety & Trauma Teaching Assistant in Cardiff employer: Zen Educate
Zen Educate is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive and nurturing team environment. With a strong focus on ongoing training and development, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people facing anxiety and trauma. Located in a vibrant community, this role provides unique opportunities to connect with students through shared interests, fostering a culture of trust and engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Anxiety & Trauma Teaching Assistant in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with vulnerable learners. They might know of opportunities or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and why you care about supporting students with anxiety and trauma. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your skills! Prepare examples of how you've built relationships with students in the past. Use specific stories that highlight your empathy and creativity in engaging with young people.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Anxiety & Trauma Teaching Assistant in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting vulnerable learners shine through. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your understanding of anxiety and trauma, and how you can make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically to the role of Teaching Assistant. Use keywords from the job description, like 'trauma-informed approach' and 'emotional regulation', to demonstrate that you understand what’s needed and how you fit the bill.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality! Mention your hobbies or interests that could help you connect with students. This not only makes your application stand out but also shows how you can build rapport with young people.
Proofread and Polish:Before hitting send, give your application a good proofread. Check for any typos or grammatical errors, as these can distract from your message. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zen Educate
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the role. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed practices and emotional regulation strategies. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in supporting students with anxiety and trauma backgrounds.
✨Build Rapport
Think about how you can connect with young people through shared interests. Before the interview, consider your hobbies and how they might relate to the role. Be ready to discuss how you would use these interests to engage with students and build trust.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, highlight your experience working with vulnerable learners. Share specific examples of how you've supported students in the past, focusing on your patient and calm approach. This will help the interviewers see your compassionate side.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the team environment, professional development opportunities, or how they support staff in implementing trauma-informed practices. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to ongoing learning.
