Teaching Assistant - SEMH Specialist

Summary:

Teaching Assistant - SEMH Specialist required at a Tier 4 CYPMHS hospital school. Support students with complex SEMH needs.

About the School:

The school is part of a multidisciplinary team within a CAMHS Low Secure Psychiatric Hospital, providing education for young people with complex social, emotional, and mental health needs.

The Opportunity:

As a Teaching Assistant - SEMH Specialist, you will support the delivery of trauma-informed education to students aged 13–18 with complex social, emotional, and mental health needs. You will work closely with teachers, therapists, and clinical staff to support academic progress, emotional regulation, and positive engagement in a secure environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and small-group support to pupils across a range of subjects
• Support pupils requiring primary-level approaches to learning, especially in literacy and numeracy
• Encourage positive engagement and emotional regulation through consistent, supportive relationships
• Assist pupils in managing emotions and behaviour using trauma-informed strategies
• Support the implementation and review of Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• Contribute to monitoring and recording pupil progress and behaviour
• Work under the direction of the class teacher to support lesson delivery and learning activities
• Maintain a safe, calm, and structured learning environment

Qualifications & Skills:

Required

• Experience working in an SEMH school or specialist provision
• Experience supporting pupils with SEND, SEMH, or additional needs
• Some relevant primary experience, particularly in literacy, numeracy, or emotional development
• Understanding of trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches to learning
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and resilient in challenging situations
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team

Preferred

• Experience working in a hospital school, CAMHS, or secure setting
• Relevant qualifications such as Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant or HLTA
• Degree or postgraduate qualification
• Experience supporting young people with mental health needs

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Free meals and on-site parking
• Access to specialist CPD, including mental health and trauma-informed training
• A laptop to support communication and planning
• A professional, compassionate, and collaborative working environment