SEMH Key Worker

We are seeking a dedicated and resilient Key Worker to join a specialist team at a SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) provision in Portsmouth. The setting supports students who have experienced significant barriers to education, often presenting with challenging behaviours and complex emotional needs. Many of our young people are at risk of exclusion or have become disengaged from mainstream schooling.

As a Key Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting individual students—building positive, trusting relationships and helping them re-engage with their education. You will:

• Provide consistent 1:1 or small group support to students with SEMH needs.

• Support emotional regulation, positive behaviour, and wellbeing.

• Liaise closely with teachers, therapists, families, and external professionals.

• Implement tailored support plans and interventions to meet individual needs.

• Safely transport students to and from off-site provisions, appointments, or alternative settings when required.

Please note: A full, clean UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle with business insurance is essential for this role. Mileage will be reimbursed in line with our travel policy.

About You:

We are looking for someone with the empathy, resilience, and professionalism to support young people with complex needs. You will ideally have:

• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs or behavioural challenges.

• A trauma-informed approach to behaviour support.

• Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to build rapport with students and colleagues alike.

• The confidence to manage challenging situations calmly and safely.

• A full, clean driving licence and access to a reliable vehicle.

What's On Offer:

• A supportive and inclusive team environment.

• Regular training and CPD in areas such as safeguarding, de-escalation, and trauma-informed practice.

• A rewarding opportunity to be part of a setting where you will make a real difference every day.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV detailing your suitability for the role and confirming that you meet the vehicle and licence requirements.

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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