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- Tasks: Support students with mental health challenges in a nurturing educational environment.
- Company: Zen Educate connects passionate individuals with schools dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Enjoy training opportunities and the potential for permanent positions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in supportive, smaller class settings.
- Qualifications: Experience with challenging behaviours and mental health support is essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours during term time, Monday to Friday, 8:30 - 3:30.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Social, emotional and mental health teaching assistants required. Zen Educate are currently interested in speaking with anyone that is looking to do vital work in supporting students with mental health difficulties in the education sector. Ideally, we are looking for people that can support full-time working Monday to Friday, 8:30 - 3:30 and term time only.
We are keen to speak with people that have experience in working with those that come from trauma, children that perhaps are in foster care or have worked as a youth worker in centres. We currently have schools located throughout Bristol that are looking for teaching assistants to work closely with their students, usually on a 1:1 basis, this can be with either primary or secondary ages. Since these schools are not in mainstream but rather specialist schools, class sizes are smaller and there is more staff on hand to support work together to make an inclusive and positive learning environment for students.
You will play a key role in showing these students that there are adults out there that can be counted on, that the support is there and they can achieve what they set their mind to.
What are we looking for:
- Experience in working with challenging behaviours and mental health difficulties, this can come from either school experience or alternative work such as having worked with adults.
- Someone that can be firm in expectations and boundaries, and offer a consistent approach when managing students and their learning. But we are equally looking for someone that has lots of empathy and understanding for what pupils may be dealing with or working through.
- Be flexible to the needs of the school and work with more than one student or other students if this is what is required.
- Resilient to challenging behaviours and show understanding that behaviours have root causes and changes happen in the long run rather than immediate.
- An enhanced DBS on the update service is required as part of your application.
In return, we can offer you lots of training opportunities and the option of going permanent for the right placement and school. So if you are looking for a chance to make meaningful change to vulnerable children, talk with us today.
Social, emotional and mental health teaching assistants employer: Zen Educate
Contact Detail:
Zen Educate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social, emotional and mental health teaching assistants
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those who work with students facing mental health challenges. Attend local workshops or seminars to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the specific needs of these students.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain relevant experience by volunteering or working in settings that support children with challenging behaviours or mental health difficulties. This could include youth centres, special educational needs schools, or community organisations focused on mental health.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed practices and strategies for supporting students with emotional and mental health needs. This knowledge will not only enhance your skills but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully managed challenging behaviours or supported individuals through difficult times. Sharing these experiences can showcase your resilience and empathy, which are crucial for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Social, emotional and mental health teaching assistants
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in supporting students with mental health difficulties. Include any roles where you've worked with children from trauma or challenging backgrounds, as well as any youth work experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by students with mental health issues. Mention specific examples of how you've supported individuals in similar situations and your approach to managing behaviours.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as resilience, flexibility, and the ability to set firm boundaries. These are crucial for the role and should be clearly articulated in both your CV and cover letter.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about how you would respond to questions regarding your experience with challenging behaviours and your strategies for supporting students. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios during any interviews or follow-up conversations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zen Educate
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the challenges faced by students with mental health difficulties. Share personal experiences or examples from previous roles where you successfully supported individuals in similar situations.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to discuss any experience you have working with children from trauma backgrounds or those in foster care. This could include roles as a youth worker or any relevant volunteer work that showcases your ability to connect with and support vulnerable students.
✨Demonstrate Resilience
Be prepared to talk about how you handle challenging behaviours. Provide examples of situations where you've maintained a calm and consistent approach, showing that you understand the root causes of these behaviours and are committed to long-term change.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the school's approach to mental health support. Inquire about training opportunities and how they foster an inclusive environment, which will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the students.
