SEMH Teaching Assistant, Leeds

Job Description

Do you have the patience, resilience and passion to make a real difference to a young person’s life?

New Directions Education is looking for a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a supportive secondary school in the Leeds area.

This is more than just a classroom role. You’ll have the opportunity to become a trusted adult and positive role model, helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence and develop the skills they need to succeed.

If you’re someone who believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

The Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you’ll provide targeted support to students who may experience Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, helping them to engage with learning and feel confident within the school environment.

You’ll work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to provide consistent, nurturing support.

Your day could include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to students.
• Supporting students to manage emotions and regulate their behaviour.
• Helping pupils engage positively with their learning.
• Building trusting and meaningful relationships with students.
• Acting as a positive role model and trusted adult.
• Supporting students with social and emotional development.
• Helping to de-escalate challenging situations using positive strategies.
• Encouraging independence, resilience and self-confidence.
• Supporting classroom teachers and pastoral teams.
• Helping create a calm, safe and inclusive environment.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is patient, understanding and genuinely passionate about helping young people.

You may already have experience as a Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Mentor, Youth Worker, Support Worker or similar — but we’re also interested in hearing from people with strong transferable experience.

You’ll ideally be:

• Experienced working with children or young people.
• Confident supporting students with challenging behaviour or additional needs.
• Calm and resilient when faced with challenging situations.
• Patient, empathetic and non-judgemental.
• A strong communicator who can build positive relationships.
• Consistent and able to maintain clear boundaries.
• Passionate about helping young people reach their potential.
• A positive team player who is willing to get involved.

Experience of SEMH, Autism, ADHD, behaviour support, youth work or similar settings would be advantageous.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re looking for a rewarding role where your patience, support and encouragement can genuinely change a young person’s day — and potentially their future, this could be the opportunity for you.

Apply today and speak to the New Directions Education team about SEMH Teaching Assistant opportunities across Leeds.

New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.