Semh Teaching Assistant

(Salary: £89-£100 daily; potential for permanent transition at £23,000 per annum)

We are seeking a resilient professional to provide essential, life‑changing support within a specialised educational environment in Sussex. This temp‑to‑perm position offers a unique opportunity to act as a stable, guiding presence for children who have experienced significant adversity. Apply now to secure this impactful role; vacancies are limited and we are recruiting immediately.

Working Hours:

Monday‑Thursday (08:30‑15:30) and Friday (08:30‑15:00).

• Provide consistent, trauma‑informed emotional and educational support.
• De‑escalate high‑pressure situations and manage challenging behaviours.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to foster a secure environment.
• Implement professional boundaries to build student trust.

• Be able to provide consistent and unwavering care and support to a group of students, taking a lead in running activities and leading a small team.
• Demonstrated success in promoting learning and student development, including assessing and recording progress.
• Ability to support teachers in curriculum delivery, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Minimum of 6 months of experience in mental health, crisis support, or youth justice.
• Strong emotional resilience and professional maturity.
• Commitment to trauma‑informed care principles.
• Ability to access own transportation.
• Maths and English GCSE at a grade 4/C or above.
• Willingness to undergo a full enhanced DBS check.
• Previous experience supporting students with social, emotional, or mental health (SEMH) needs, such as in foster care, residential children's homes, social care, or other complex care settings.
• An interest in psychology or a background in counselling.

• Access to structured salary progression for the right candidate.
• Term‑time only working and school holidays.
• Dedicated support, including a confidential Employee Assistance Programme (counselling, legal, and financial advice) and Occupational Health services.
• High‑quality CPD focused on trauma‑informed practice, SEMH support, and behaviour de‑escalation.
• Smaller class sizes allowing staff to make a profound impact on vulnerable students.