SEMH Support Assistant

Location: Ferryhill and surrounding areas, County Durham

Working hours: 8.30am–3.30pm, Monday to Friday

Start date: After October half term

Milk Education are recruiting for a SEMH Support Assistant to work with young people who have experienced adverse childhood experiences and support them on their journey through education.

The schools we work with cater for children aged 5–16 who have social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. This role requires resilience, patience and empathy when supporting pupils who may display dysregulated behaviours or trauma responses.

You will be working in a supportive environment alongside a dedicated staff team and experienced senior leadership who will help you make a real difference to the lives of young people.

As a SEMH Support Assistant, your role will involve supporting pupils with emotional regulation and gently encouraging them to access learning in a way that meets their individual needs.

SEMH Support Assistant Key Responsibilities

• Provide consistent 1:1 and small group support for pupils aged 5–16 with a range of social, emotional and mental health needs.

• Build positive, trusting relationships that encourage engagement, confidence and resilience.

• Support pupils to regulate their emotions and develop positive behaviour strategies.

• Work alongside teachers and pastoral staff to deliver personalised learning activities and adapt resources to meet individual needs.

• Promote a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment where every pupil feels respected, understood and able to succeed.

SEMH Support Assistant Person Specification

• Recent experience working in a school, alternative provision or youth work setting is desirable but not essential.

• Support Workers with experience supporting vulnerable individuals who are keen to work with children and young people are also encouraged to apply.

• Good literacy and numeracy skills.

• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people.

• A calm, resilient and empathetic approach, with the ability to remain positive in challenging situations.

• The ability to work proactively, both independently and as part of a team.

• An Enhanced DBS certificate on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one.

Benefits of Working with Milk Education

• Competitive rates of pay, with temp-to-perm opportunities available.

• A speedy registration process and fast-track compliance.

• Culture-matched placements, taking the time to understand your values, experience and strengths.

• Access to our Priority Partnership school network.

• Five or more CPD courses completed before placement, including Safeguarding, SEND and Behaviour, with further accredited training available through the Milk Academy.

• Free PSHE lesson plans and resources designed by teachers.

• Free educator wellbeing resources and access to our community hub.

• A School Preparation Pack with handover notes and helpful school guides.

• 24/7 support from your personal consultant, directly through their work mobile phone.

This role is paid within the advertised pay scale. Your starting rate will be determined by your qualifications, relevant experience and the requirements of the assignment.

Apply now by submitting your CV.

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS and compliance checks in line with the DfE's Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance and APSCo standards.

Milk Education is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.

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