SEMH Teaching Assistant

Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of young people? Do you have the resilience, empathy, and confidence to support students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs?

A forward-thinking and supportive secondary school in South Manchester is seeking a dedicated SEMH Behaviour Mentor to join their pastoral and inclusion team. This is a highly rewarding opportunity to work closely with students who require additional support to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.

The school is known for its inclusive ethos and strong pastoral framework. You will be joining a collaborative team of teachers, behaviour specialists, SEN staff, and senior leaders who are committed to creating a safe, structured, and engaging environment for all students. Staff wellbeing and professional development are prioritised, with ongoing training and clear progression pathways available.

The school benefits from excellent facilities, including dedicated intervention rooms, quiet reflection spaces, and well-equipped classrooms designed to support focus and engagement. There are also strong links with external agencies, ensuring students receive the holistic support they need.

Conveniently located in Oldham, the school is easily accessible via public transport and also offers on-site parking, making it an ideal location for both drivers and non-drivers.

As an SEMH Behaviour Mentor, you will play a key role in supporting students both inside and outside the classroom. You will act as a positive role model, helping students to regulate their behaviour, build confidence, and re-engage with education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide 1:1 and small group mentoring for students with SEMH needs
• Support students in managing challenging behaviour using de-escalation strategies
• Build strong, trusting relationships to promote engagement and emotional wellbeing
• Work closely with teaching staff, SENCO, and pastoral teams to implement support plans
• Support students during lessons, transitions, and unstructured times
• Encourage positive behaviour, attendance, and participation
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to behaviour and progress reports

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about supporting young people and can bring energy, resilience, and a calm approach to challenging situations.

You will:

• Have experience working with young people with SEMH needs or strong transferable experience (e.g. youth work, care, coaching, support roles)
• Be calm, patient, and resilient under pressure
• Have strong behaviour management and communication skills
• Be able to build positive and professional relationships with students and staff
• Be proactive, adaptable, and committed to making a difference
• Be open to training such as Team Teach and safeguarding
• Hold (or be willing to obtain) an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service

• Be part of a supportive and experienced pastoral team
• Work in a school with excellent SEMH support structures and facilities
• Access to ongoing training and career development opportunities
• A role where you can have a