Graduate SEMH teaching Assistant

SEMH Teaching Assistant – Ideal for Final‑Year Students & Recent Graduates

Location: Manchester
Start Date: Immediate
Employer: Teaching Personnel

Are you a recent graduate or a final‑year university student looking to make a real difference in the lives of young people? Teaching Personnel is seeking a committed and enthusiastic SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health) Teaching Assistant to join a specialist Secondary SEMH Provision in Manchester.

This school supports pupils aged 11–16 with a wide range of SEMH needs, including anxiety, low self-esteem, attachment difficulties, trauma-related behaviours, emotional dysregulation, ADHD, and behavioural challenges. Your role will have a direct impact on improving students’ confidence, resilience, and engagement in learning.

⭐ What You’ll Be Doing

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 and small-group basis, helping them engage with learning inside and outside the classroom.
• Assisting students with SEMH needs by using positive behaviour strategies and promoting emotional regulation.
• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils to help them develop their social skills, confidence, and self-belief.
• Supporting teachers with planning, adapting and delivering learning to meet individual needs.
• Implementing personalised behaviour plans and contributing to the wider pastoral team.
• De-escalating challenging situations using trauma-informed and restorative approaches.
• Encouraging students to develop independence, resilience, and positive coping strategies.

Why This Role Is Perfect for Graduates

This position is an excellent stepping stone if you’re considering a future in:

• Teaching
• Educational Psychology
• Social Work
• Counselling / Youth Work
• Mental Health Professions

You’ll gain hands-on experience in a specialist provision working alongside experienced teachers, SENCOs, behaviour mentors, and external professionals. This role will provide highly valuable skills such as behaviour management, safeguarding awareness, and emotional support strategies—skills that universities and employers love.

✅ What We’re Looking For

You’ll be a great fit if you:

• Are a graduate or current final-year university student.
• Have a genuine passion for supporting young people with additional needs.
• Are patient, resilient, emotionally intelligent, and able to remain calm under pressure.
• Are comfortable working in a challenging but extremely rewarding environment.
• Have good communication skills and can build rapport with disengaged learners.
• Can commit to a full-time, long-term position.
• Are willing to complete (or already have) an enhanced DBS check.

Apply Today

If you’re ready to begin a meaningful role that will shape your future career—and transform the lives of young people—Teaching Personnel would love to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV and start your journey in education today!

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.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.