SEMH Teaching Assistant

SEMH Teaching Assistant – September Recruitment

Location: Liverpool & Wirral (multiple school sites)
Start Date: September 2026
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Long-term placement
Pay: £95–£120 per day (dependent on experience)

About the Role

Teaching Personnel is working in partnership with a specialist SEMH provision with multiple sites across Liverpool and the Wirral, supporting their recruitment for September 2026.

We are seeking dedicated, resilient, and compassionate Teaching Assistants to support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs on a full-time, long-term basis. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people who require additional support to engage with education and achieve positive outcomes.

The provision supports students who may present with a range of needs, including SEMH difficulties, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, trauma-related behaviours, attachment needs, anxiety, and challenging behaviour. As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in helping pupils develop socially, emotionally, and academically within a supportive and structured environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs
• Build positive, professional relationships that promote trust and engagement
• Support students in managing emotions, behaviour, and social interactions
• Assist in implementing individual behaviour support plans and intervention strategies
• Encourage participation in learning and support pupils in overcoming barriers to education
• Promote positive behaviour and model appropriate coping strategies
• Support students both in the classroom and during unstructured times throughout the school day
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, pastoral teams, and external professionals
• Monitor and record pupil progress, achievements, and behavioural developments
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment
• Uphold safeguarding procedures and promote the wellbeing of all students

About You

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and helping them succeed. You will be patient, empathetic, calm under pressure, and able to build strong relationships with students who may have experienced challenges both in and outside of education.

Experience within education is beneficial; however, we also welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in:

• Youth work
• Residential care
• Children's support work
• Mental health support
• Sports coaching
• Behaviour mentoring
• Community outreach
• Alternative provisions
• Social care settings

Essential Requirements

• Experience working with children or young people in a professional capacity
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to remain calm, adaptable, and resilient in challenging situations
• Confidence supporting students with behavioural, emotional, or additional learning needs
• A proactive and nurturing approach to behaviour management
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)
• Right to work in the UK
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent)

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Previous experience supporting pupils with SEMH needs
• Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification
• Experience within alternative provisions, special schools, or behaviour support settings
• Team Teach, MAPA, PRICE, or other de-escalation training
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and attachment-aware approaches
• Up-to-date safeguarding and child protection knowledge

Why Work Through Teaching Personnel?

• Long-term opportunities across Liverpool and the Wirral
• Competitive daily rates of pay
• Ongoing CPD and specialist SEMH training
• Dedicated support from an experienced Education Consultant
• Opportunity to secure a permanent position within the provision
• Chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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