SEMH Teaching Assistant – Youth Intervention & Social Justice Focus

Location: Newbury
Setting: Specialist Alternative Provision (5–19)
Contract: Term time | Full-time preferred

We are seeking a passionate, resilient and values-driven SEMH Teaching Assistant – Youth Intervention & Social Justice Focus to join a specialist alternative provision supporting learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

Many of our young people have experienced trauma, exclusion, adverse childhood experiences or social disadvantage. This role goes beyond classroom support and is about advocacy, inclusion and helping students develop the emotional tools and self-belief to re-engage with education and society.

You will work closely with teaching and pastoral teams to remove barriers to learning and ensure every learner feels seen, heard and supported.

• Provide in-class support across core and vocational subjects
• Deliver structured 1:1 and small-group interventions focused on emotional regulation, restorative practice and resilience-building
• Support learners in understanding social responsibility, equality and positive identity
• De-escalate challenging behaviour using trauma-informed strategies
• Promote consistent routines and clear expectations to create psychological safety
• Contribute to EHCP targets and personalised support plans
• Liaise with safeguarding, pastoral staff and external agencies where required
• Act as a strong, stable and positive role model

• Has experience within SEMH, PRU or alternative provision settings
• Understands trauma-informed and restorative approaches
• Is calm, emotionally intelligent and consistent under pressure
• Has strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• Is genuinely passionate about social justice, equity and youth empowerment
• Can balance high expectations with empathy and understanding

• Excellent rates of pay!
• Speedy registration process & fast-track compliance.
• Flexible days and working hours to suit your schedule.
• 5‑Star rated with over 3000 reviews across Google & Facebook!
• Exclusive school & trust partnerships.
• Access to our FREE Perks Portal – exclusive discounts (our version of the Blue Light Card).
• 1000+ accredited, discounted CPD courses via Milk Academy.
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources, designed by real teachers.
• FREE Educator Wellbeing eBook & access to our wellbeing hub.
• School Preparation Pack – be ready for your school placements!
• 24/7 support from your personal consultant.
• Our
  * Unbottled* division brings lived-experience speakers into schools.
• We’re located across England & North Wales with 9 offices!
• Join the UK’s only eco‑friendly education supply agency!

Milk Education is a purpose-driven teaching supply agency focused on putting educators first. We’re committed to finding high-quality teaching talent and supporting schools across the U.K.

We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited, reflecting our dedication to the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidelines.

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

By applying for this role, you agree to our Privacy Policy (available on our website).
Please note that Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.

DBS on the Update Service is highly desirable. Training and ongoing CPD will be provided.

INGUIL