SEMH Teaching Assistant - Specialist Secondary School, Psychology Graduates Welcome

Location: East Grinstead, West Sussex
Salary: £22,500-£23,800 per annum
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:45am-4:00pm
Contract: Full-time, 12-week temp-to-perm
Driving: Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle essential

Psychology Graduate? Looking to Start a Career in Education?

Are you passionate about mental health, supporting young people and helping them overcome barriers to learning?

Whether you have experience in SEN education, care, youth support or a degree in Psychology, this could be the perfect opportunity to begin or develop your career in specialist education.

NextGen Teachers are recruiting a SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming specialist secondary school in East Grinstead. The school supports young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and offers a supportive environment where staff are encouraged to develop their skills and make a genuine difference.

With a fantastic outdoor space, forest school activities and opportunities for professional development, this is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to build a rewarding career supporting young people.

The Role - SEMH Teaching Assistant

You will work alongside experienced teachers and support staff to help secondary-aged students engage with education, develop emotional resilience and build confidence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting students with social, emotional and mental health needs within a specialist secondary setting.
• Building positive, trusting relationships with young people who may experience challenges with behaviour, emotional regulation or mental health.
• Helping students manage their emotions, develop coping strategies and engage positively with learning.
• Providing classroom, individual and small-group support to meet students' individual needs.
• Creating a safe, structured and encouraging environment where students feel supported.
• Supporting outdoor learning and forest school activities, making use of the school's fantastic outdoor space.
• Encouraging students to develop confidence, independence and positive relationships.

This is a hands-on role where consistency, patience and positive relationships are key to helping students thrive.

Who We're Looking For

We are keen to hear from individuals who are passionate about supporting young people and interested in developing a career in specialist education.

Relevant experience could include:

• SEMH Teaching Assistant or SEN Teaching Assistant
• Mental Health Support Worker
• Youth Worker or Residential Support Worker
• Care Assistant or Behaviour Support Worker
• Psychology, Sociology or related degree graduates
• Individuals with experience supporting young people with additional needs

Previous experience within a specialist school or secondary setting would be beneficial, but we are also interested in candidates with transferable skills and a genuine interest in mental health and education.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Patient, resilient and proactive.
• Confident building positive relationships with young people.
• Passionate about supporting students with SEMH and additional needs.
• Able to remain calm and consistent when supporting challenging behaviour.
• Motivated to learn, develop and build a career within specialist education.

A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle are essential, as the school is not easily accessible by public transport.

Why Apply?

• A rewarding career: Make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people who need additional support.
• Supportive school environment: Join a welcoming team that genuinely values its staff.
• Unique outdoor setting: Get involved in forest school and outdoor learning activities.
• Career development: Gain valuable experience in specialist SEMH education.
• Further qualifications: Potential opportunity to complete a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification.
• Permanent opportunity: Start on a 12-week temp-to-perm contract, with the opportunity to secure a permanent position.
• Consistent working hours: Monday-Friday, 8:45am-4:00pm.

Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding SEMH Teaching Assistant role in East Grinstead, this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for.

Whether you are an experienced SEN professional, a Psychology graduate or someone looking to transfer their skills from care or mental health support, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to find out more about this opportunity and explore how you could begin your career in specialist education with NextGen Teachers.

Please note: A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle are essential for this position due to the school's location. All appointments are subject to the successful completion of the required compliance checks.

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.