Secondary SEMH Teaching Assistant

SEMH Teaching Assistant – Secondary Provision

Location: Trafford, Greater Manchester
Role Type: Full-time
Agency: Teaching Personnel

Teaching Personnel are working in partnership with a specialist secondary SEMH provision in the Trafford area to recruit a committed and resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant. This setting supports young people aged 11–16 with a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, including challenging behaviour, trauma and attachment difficulties, anxiety, depression, ADHD, oppositional behaviours, and difficulties with emotional regulation. Many pupils have experienced disrupted education and require consistent, nurturing support to re-engage with learning.

This role is particularly well suited to Teaching Assistants, Youth Workers, Behaviour Mentors, and support staff who are passionate about supporting young people to overcome barriers and achieve positive outcomes.

The Role

As a Secondary SEMH Teaching Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SEMH needs
• Supporting students to manage behaviour, emotions, and social interactions in a positive and structured way
• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils who may be disengaged or vulnerable
• Assisting teachers with lesson delivery and adapting activities to meet individual needs
• Supporting pupils during unstructured times, including transitions, break times, and off-site activities
• Implementing behaviour support plans and restorative approaches
• Acting as a positive role model and promoting self-esteem, resilience, and emotional wellbeing
• Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff, SENCOs, and external professionals

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working with secondary-aged young people with SEMH needs (education, youth work, care, or community settings)
• A calm, patient, and consistent approach to behaviour support
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Confidence managing challenging behaviour in a professional and empathetic manner
• A genuine interest in mental health, behaviour, and inclusion
• Ability to remain resilient in a fast-paced and sometimes challenging environment
• Relevant qualifications (desirable but not essential)
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)

Why Work with Teaching Personnel?

• Ongoing CPD and specialist SEMH training, including behaviour management and safeguarding
• A dedicated consultant with expertise in SEN and secondary education
• Flexible opportunities to suit your experience and career goals
• Competitive weekly pay, paid through PAYE
• Long-term and permanent opportunities within specialist settings

If you’re passionate about supporting young people with SEMH needs and want to make a real difference in a specialist secondary setting, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today with Teaching Personnel and help shape brighter futures for young people in Trafford.

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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