Support Assistant - SEMH Support (Pupil Referral Unit)
- Location: Wigan
- Agency: Teaching Personnel
- Sector: Social, Emotional, Mental Health (SEMH) Provision
Teaching Personnel is a leading education agency with a strong track record of connecting skilled professionals with rewarding opportunities in educational settings. We are currently partnering with a specialist SEMH provision in Wigan that is committed to supporting students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges who are disengaged from mainstream education.
Position Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Support Assistant to join our partner school's team. You will support students from complex backgrounds, such as those in the care system, who may be dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies. This role offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young people facing significant challenges.
This is an excellent opportunity for graduates who wish to gain hands-on experience in a supportive educational setting, helping students who have become disengaged from mainstream education.
Key Responsibilities
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Student Support: Provide emotional and academic support to students with SEMH needs, helping them navigate their educational journey and develop coping strategies for anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
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Personalized Learning: Assist in implementing personalized learning plans in collaboration with teachers and therapists, adapting strategies to meet the unique emotional and educational needs of each student.
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Emotional and Social Development: Facilitate activities that promote social skills, emotional regulation, and resilience. Help students develop self-esteem and a positive self-image through supportive interactions and targeted interventions.
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Positive Role Model: Act as a positive role model for students, demonstrating appropriate behavior, communication, and social interactions to inspire and motivate them.
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Crisis Intervention: Be alert to signs of distress or suicidal ideation and respond appropriately, working closely with the school's mental health professionals and safeguarding team to ensure student safety and well-being.
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Safe and Supportive Environment: Contribute to creating a nurturing environment where students feel safe, valued, and understood. Build trusting relationships with students to encourage engagement and participation.
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Collaboration: Work closely with teachers, therapists, social workers, and other support staff to provide holistic support tailored to the needs of each student. Participate in multi-agency meetings to discuss student progress and strategies for further support.
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Dynamic Engagement: Develop creative and engaging activities that capture students' interests and encourage positive interactions, promoting a love for learning and personal growth.
Qualifications and Experience
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Experience: Experience working with students with SEMH needs is desirable, especially within a specialist or alternative education setting. We welcome applications from all backgrounds with a passion for supporting vulnerable young people.
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Skills: Strong communication skills, patience, empathy, and resilience. A deep commitment to supporting the emotional and educational development of students with complex needs.
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References and Checks: Suitable references and an Enhanced DBS certificate (or eligibility to apply) are required.
Role Details
- Hours: Full-time position, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
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.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.
