Job Description

Resilience Support Worker - SEMH Specialist Teaching AssistantLocation: Specialist school settings across SheffieldContract: Temporary, term-time only (Monday-Friday)Daily Rate: £92.56 - £110 (holiday pay included)Higher pay bands available based on experience, additional qualifications, and placement budgets.

Connect. Stabilise. Progress.

Academics Agency are on the lookout for a patient, perceptive, and proactive SEMH Teaching Assistant to join our bank of specialist staff.

Your Day-to-Day:

• Build trusting, consistent relationships with pupils who may exhibit challenging behaviours, anxiety, or trauma-informed needs.
• Deliver targeted interventions that promote emotional literacy, conflict resolution, and self-regulation (e.g., zones of regulation, restorative practice, and sensory circuits).
• Adapt lesson materials and classroom environments to reduce cognitive overload and sensory triggers.
• Work closely with class teachers, pastoral leads, and external agencies to implement personalised behaviour plans and EHCP outcomes.
• De-escalate tense situations with calm, de-personalised language and proactive redirection techniques.
• Support pupils during transitions-between lessons, settings, or key stages-to maintain continuity and security.

What We Offer You:

• Competitive daily remuneration with holiday entitlement already calculated.
• Fully funded CPD library - including trauma-informed practice, de-escalation strategies, attachment theory, and restorative approaches.
• £75 Love2Shop voucher for every successful referral you make.
• Diverse placement opportunities across Sheffield's SEMH schools, PRUs, and specialist hubs - no two days alike.
• Dedicated consultant who knows the SEMH landscape and provides ongoing guidance, check-ins, and career advice.

What You Bring:

• Qualification: Minimum Level 3 Teaching Assistant award, or equivalent youth work/care background.
• Experience: Demonstrable track record working with children or young people with SEMH needs, behavioural challenges, or adverse childhood experiences-within education, care, or youth justice settings.
• Clearance: Enhanced DBS certificate registered on the Update Service (or happy to apply fresh).
• References: Two strong professional referees from recent employment.
• Attributes: Unshakeable patience, emotional resilience, genuine empathy, and a solutions-focused outlook-even on the toughest days.

Keen to turn setbacks into comebacks?

Get in touch with Charlotta - we're ready when you are.

Academics - connecting purpose with potential, one placement at a time.