SEMH Behaviour Support Assistant

Behaviour Support Assistant

Location: Bolton
Salary: Competitive rate of pay, dependent on experience
Contract: Full-Time, Temporary to Permanent Opportunity
Start Date: September 2026
Employer: Teaching Personnel

Teaching Personnel are currently seeking a dedicated and resilient Behaviour Support Assistant to join a specialist Secondary SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) School in the Bolton area from September. This full-time role is ideal for individuals with previous experience supporting young people with SEMH needs, including challenges such as anxiety, depression, attachment difficulties, trauma, low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, autism, ADHD, and behaviours that may challenge.

The school supports secondary-aged pupils who require additional support to engage with education and develop positive relationships. As a Behaviour Support Assistant, you will play a key role in helping students overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential both academically and personally.

Key Responsibilities

• Support students aged 11-16 with SEMH needs both inside and outside of the classroom.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils to encourage engagement and emotional wellbeing.
• Implement behaviour support strategies and de-escalation techniques when required.
• Assist teachers in delivering engaging lessons and adapting activities to meet individual needs.
• Support students on a one-to-one basis and in small group interventions.
• Promote positive behaviour, resilience, and social development.
• Work closely with teaching staff, pastoral teams, and external agencies to support student progress.
• Maintain accurate records of behaviour, progress, and safeguarding concerns.
• Provide support during breaktimes, educational visits, and enrichment activities where required.

Requirements

• Previous experience working with young people with SEMH needs is essential.
• Experience within schools, alternative provisions, youth work, residential care, support work, or similar settings is highly desirable.
• Strong behaviour management skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A patient, empathetic, and resilient approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people.
• Must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to your own vehicle.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one through Teaching Personnel).

Why Work with Teaching Personnel?

• Competitive weekly pay paid directly through PAYE.
• Access to free and discounted CPD courses to support your professional development.
• Dedicated specialist consultant providing ongoing support throughout your placement.
• Opportunities for long-term, permanent, and career progression roles.
• Flexible opportunities across a wide network of schools.
• Employee wellbeing support and advice.
• Pension scheme and other employee benefits.

If you have the experience, resilience, and passion required to support young people with SEMH needs and are looking for a rewarding full-time role starting in September, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today with Teaching Personnel to take the next step in your education career.

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.