Teaching Assistant / Pastoral Support Worker (SEMH / SEN) - Secondary

Location: Crawley, West Sussex
Salary: £23,500 - £24,000 per annum (Term Time Only)
Contract: Full-Time - 12-weeks Temp to Perm
Start Date: September 2026

Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Behaviour Mentor, or Pastoral Support Worker looking for a role where relationships come before results?

We are recruiting for a Teaching Assistant / Pastoral Key Worker to join a unique and nurturing secondary provision in Crawley, supporting young people with SEMH, SEN, Autism (ASC), and Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA).

This is a highly rewarding opportunity to work within a trauma-informed environment where emotional wellbeing, trust, and meaningful relationships sit at the heart of the educational experience.

The Role

As a Pastoral Key Worker, you will support students who require additional emotional and pastoral support to successfully engage with education. Working as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, you will help young people develop confidence, emotional regulation, resilience, and readiness to learn.

You will play a vital role in creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel understood, valued, and able to achieve success at their own pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 pastoral and emotional support to students
• Supporting learners with SEMH, SEN, Autism (ASC), and EBSA
• Helping students re-engage with education through personalised support strategies
• Supporting emotional regulation, wellbeing, attendance, and engagement
• Assisting students with online learning, independent study, and homework where appropriate
• Building strong, positive, and consistent relationships with pupils
• Supporting the development of confidence, resilience, and self-regulation skills
• Monitoring student progress, wellbeing, attendance, and engagement
• Contributing to EHCP reviews, support plans, and personalised interventions
• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, SEN staff, parents, and external professionals
• Supporting transitions back into classroom-based or wider learning environments
• Assisting with social activities, enrichment opportunities, and educational visits

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience supporting secondary-aged pupils with SEMH, SEN, Autism, or EBSA
• Comes from a Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Mentor, Youth Work, Care, Pastoral, or Alternative Provision background
• Understands trauma-informed and relationship-led practice
• Is calm, empathetic, patient, and emotionally resilient
• Can build trust with young people who may be disengaged from education
• Is passionate about supporting emotional wellbeing and positive outcomes
• Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team

Why Apply?

• Permanent, term-time only position
• Opportunity to work within a therapeutic and trauma-informed setting
• Strong focus on relationships, wellbeing, and student-centred practice
• Supportive and forward-thinking leadership team
• Ongoing CPD, training, and professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to make a genuine and lasting impact on young people's lives
• Excellent experience for careers in education, SEN, counselling, therapy, youth work, or pastoral support

Apply Now

If you are passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to education and want to work within a supportive, relationship-led environment, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to be considered for this rewarding Teaching Assistant / Pastoral Support Worker opportunity in Crawley.

Huntress does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. PLEASE NOTE! You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation before applying for any jobs. We are acting as a Recruitment Business in relation to this role.