training and education
Safeguarding & Prevent
Teaching Assistant (SEMH & Complex Behaviour) | Harlow, Essex
Location: Harlow
Job Type: Full-time (Term Time only)
Start Date: Immediate / Next Academic Term
Are you ready to be the anchor for a student in need?
A specialised educational setting in Harlow is seeking a resilient, empathetic, and proactive SEN Teaching Assistant to join their dedicated team. This role is designed for someone who understands that "challenging behaviour" is often a form of communication. You will be working with children and young people who face significant barriers to learning due to Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and complex behavioural profiles.
In this role, you aren't just an assistant; you are a mentor, a de-escalator, and a consistent support system in a therapeutic learning environment.
Why Join Us?
We provide a high-support, low-pressure environment where the focus is on building trust before building academic results. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of therapists and specialist teachers who value your front line insights. We offer a culture that prioritises staff well-being and provides specific training in de-escalation and trauma-informed practice.
What You'll Bring:
Proven Experience: Direct experience supporting individuals with SEMH, ADHD, ODD, or complex challenging behaviors.
Resilience: The ability to remain calm and objective in high-pressure situations.
Empathy: A deep understanding of how trauma and mental health affect a child's ability to regulate their emotions.
Teamwork: A collaborative mindset to work with teachers and clinicians on individual behaviour plans (IBPs).
Certifications: Training in Team-Teach, MAPA, or similar de-escalation strategies is highly desirable but not essential (training can be provided).
Your Role:
As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:
De-escalate & Support: Use therapeutic techniques to help students manage their emotions and return to a state of "ready to learn."
Break Down Barriers: Adapt classroom tasks to meet the specific emotional and cognitive needs of your 1:1 or small group.
Build Relationships: Act as a key worker for specific students, fostering a sense of safety and belonging.
Track Progress: Monitor emotional triggers and successes, providing vital feedback for the student's holistic development plan.
What We Offer:
Competitive Daily Rate: Paid weekly.
Specialised Training: Access to CPD in Mental Health Awareness, Trauma-Informed Care, and Behavioural Management.
Supportive Leadership: A management team that understands the challenges of the role and offers regular debriefing sessions.
Impact: The chance to see the tangible transformation in a young person's confidence and social integration.
Apply Today
If you have the "big heart" required to thrive in an SEMH setting, we want to hear from you. Help us turn a student's challenging day into a breakthrough day.
Contact: Sada Laxmi
Email: sada.laxmi@randstad.co.uk
Phone: 07441 928041
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