Trauma and Mental Health Support Assistant

The pupils who need the most support often have the most to give.

Teaching Personnel is looking for SEN learning support assistants to join Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) provisions across West Sussex for September 2026. These are schools that work with some of the most complex and rewarding young people in education, and they need support staff who are resilient, empathetic and ready to make a real difference.

If you have a background in youth work, mental health support, or education and you're ready to bring that experience into a school setting, this could be exactly the right next step for you.

What you'll be doing:

• Supporting pupils with SEMH needs in both classroom and pastoral settings.
• Building trusted, consistent relationships that help pupils feel safe and ready to learn.
• Assisting with emotional regulation strategies and positive behaviour support.
• Working alongside teachers and pastoral teams to deliver joined-up care.
• Helping pupils develop the social and emotional skills they need to thrive.

Who we're looking for:

• Experience working with young people with SEMH, behavioural, or emotional needs.
• A trauma-informed or restorative approach is a real advantage.
• Patient, resilient and emotionally intelligent in your working style.
• Confident in de-escalation and positive behaviour management.
• A genuine belief that every young person deserves the right support.

What Teaching Personnel offers:

• Competitive weekly pay via PAYE. A annual salary ranging between £26,000 - £28,000 per annum (including full pay over half terms and School holidays)
• Specialist training in SEMH and trauma-informed practice.
• Flexible placements across West Sussex.
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.
• Clear career development pathways in SEN education.

This is one of the most meaningful roles in education. Apply now and join a school where your work truly matters.

To apply or find out more, contact Teaching Personnel 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.
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