SEMH Teaching Assistant

SEMH and Behavioural Support Workers – Pontefract, Castleford & Surrounding Areas

Do you want to make a real impact in the lives of young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? If you're seeking a rewarding and flexible role, we have an exciting opportunity for you. Teaching Personnel is looking for dedicated Behaviour Support Workers to work within a large SEN setting in Pontefract, as well as schools and specialist provisions in Castleford and the surrounding areas.

What This Role Involves: We support students across a range of educational settings, from primary and secondary schools to specialist provisions. Many of the young people you’ll work with have SEMH needs, additional learning difficulties, or other challenges that impact their ability to thrive in mainstream education. Your role will be pivotal in helping them build confidence, manage their emotions, and engage positively in learning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide one-to-one and small group support for students with SEMH and additional needs.

• Assist pupils in developing emotional regulation and resilience.

• Implement behaviour management strategies to create a calm and structured learning environment.

• Deliver intervention sessions focusing on mental well-being, self-confidence, and behaviour management.

• Work closely with teachers and SENCOs to support tailored learning plans.

• Help students reintegrate into school life after exclusions or extended absences.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible Working Opportunities – Find placements that fit your availability and career goals.

• Broaden Your Experience – Gain valuable skills across different school settings.

• Career Progression – Many of our staff secure long-term and permanent roles.

• Training & Development – Enhance your expertise in behaviour management and SEN support.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Experience in education, youth work, social care, or similar fields.

• A resilient, patient, and adaptable approach to working with young people.

• Prior experience working with SEMH needs or challenging behaviours is desirable.

• Team Teach training is beneficial (or a willingness to complete it).

Transport Considerations: Having access to your own transport will be a significant advantage, allowing you to work across multiple schools and settings, giving you greater flexibility and a wider range of opportunities.

Apply Today! If you're ready to support young people and gain invaluable experience in a variety of SEN settings, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with Teaching Personnel’s West Yorkshire branch and take the next step in your career in Pontefract, Castleford, and beyond!

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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