Job Description

A dynamic and supportive specialist SEMH secondary setting is looking for a proactive, emotionally intelligent and resilient SEMH / Behaviour Teaching Assistant. This role is ideal for someone with a pastoral background, youth work experience, or a passion for supporting teenagers who may struggle with behaviour, regulation and engagement in education.

In this hands-on, relationship-focused position, you will:

• Build strong, authentic relationships with pupils aged 11-16 to help them feel safe, understood and motivated
• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs, behavioural challenges or complex backgrounds
• Act as a positive role model, mentor and consistent adult presence
• Use de-escalation strategies, clear boundaries and restorative approaches
• Support pupils with emotional regulation, resilience, coping strategies and self-esteem
• Help pupils access learning, manage routines and navigate difficult moments
• Work closely with pastoral teams, behaviour leads and external agencies
• Assist with behaviour plans, wellbeing support and targeted interventions

You'll be a strong match for this role if you:

• Have experience in youth work, mentoring, SEMH/behaviour support or similar
• Are calm, patient and emotionally resilient with a natural ability to build rapport with teenagers
• Can remain consistent, reliable and confident when faced with challenging behaviour
• Understand (or are keen to learn) trauma-informed practice, restorative work and de-escalation techniques
• Are able to maintain strong professional boundaries and model positive behaviour
• Want to help young people feel valued, supported and capable of success

• Excellent pastoral and wellbeing support for staff and pupils
• Ongoing training in SEMH, trauma-informed practice, de-escalation and mentoring
• A tight-knit, supportive team who genuinely care
• Opportunities for progression into pastoral, behaviour or safeguarding roles
• The chance to make a significant impact on young people who need a positive adult more than most

Apply now or contact your local Reed office and ask to speak with Sophie Lamont in our education team.