SEMH TEACHING ASSISTANT NEEDED ASAP

Do you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? We need someone just like you to start as soon as possible. You’ll be working 1:1 with a child who needs your expertise and dedication to thrive. This isn’t just any school—it’s an Ofsted-rated “Good” school in Derby that puts the welfare of its children and staff above everything else.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

We’re looking for someone with the right experience, but most importantly, the passion to make a real difference. Your background could be diverse, but your goal is singular: to support and inspire children with SEMH needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Level 2 or Above Teaching Assistant Qualification: Ideally, you have this, but equivalent qualifications are also welcomed. Your formal training will be invaluable in providing the structured support needed.
· Experience with SEMH: Demonstrable experience working with children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. This could be through previous teaching assistant roles, voluntary work, or personal experience.
· Knowledge of SEN Strategies: Familiarity with various Special Educational Needs (SEN) strategies and interventions is crucial. You need to be able to apply these effectively to support the child’s learning and emotional well-being.
· Behavior Management Skills: Experience in managing challenging behaviors associated with SEMH needs. You should be skilled in de-escalation techniques and promoting positive behavior.
· Empathy and Patience: These are non-negotiable. You must have the patience to work with children who may have difficulty communicating their needs and the empathy to understand and support them.
· Adaptability: The ability to adapt teaching methods and strategies to meet the individual needs of the child. This includes being flexible and creative in your approach.
· Basic IT Skills: Familiarity with basic computer skills, internet safety, and educational software applications to support the child’s learning.

THE ROLE:

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, involves working closely with a child with high-functioning Autism. You’ll be in a small class with a fantastic teacher who knows how to adapt to each child’s needs. The school boasts great facilities, creating an inclusive environment that allows you to make a real impact. This is a full-time gig, with the potential to continue until September.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· 1:1 Support: Develop a trusting relationship with the child, providing tailored support to meet their unique needs.
· Experience with SEN: Work with children aged 4-11 years old with Autism, Social Communication Difficulties, Complex Needs, and associated behaviors.
· SEN Strategies and Interventions: Apply and adapt various strategies to support the child’s learning and emotional development.
· Build Relationships: Establish strong connections with students, families, and colleagues to create a supportive network around the child.
· Collaborate with Colleagues: Keep the care plan up-to-date and work closely with the class teacher to adapt to the child’s evolving needs.