SEMH Teaching Assistant - Post-16

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Post-16 Construction

Location: Chorley, Lancashire
Contract: Full-Time | Term-Time Only
Age Group: 16+
Setting: Specialist Post-16 Education / Construction

About the Role

We are looking for a dedicated and resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist post-16 education setting in Chorley, supporting young people aged 16+ as they develop the skills, confidence and independence needed for adulthood and employment.

The setting supports learners with a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, alongside additional learning and communication needs. Learners are supported through a combination of classroom-based education, practical learning and construction-focused vocational training, helping them build the skills and behaviours required for the workplace.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with young people who may have faced barriers to education and who wants to make a genuine difference to their future.

About You

We are looking for someone who is calm, patient, consistent and approachable, with the ability to build strong professional relationships with young people.

You will be confident supporting learners who may experience difficulties with emotional regulation, behaviour, confidence, engagement, communication or social interaction.

You don't necessarily need extensive SEN experience. What matters most is your ability to connect with young people, maintain clear boundaries, remain calm in challenging situations and encourage learners to recognise and achieve their potential.

Experience within education, youth work, care, construction, mentoring, sports coaching or other roles involving young people would be highly beneficial.

Key Responsibilities

Provide one-to-one and small-group support to learners aged 16+
Support learners with SEMH needs to engage positively with education and vocational training
Build trusting, professional relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries
Encourage positive behaviour, emotional regulation and effective communication
Support learners during both classroom-based learning and practical construction activities
Help learners develop confidence, independence and workplace-ready behaviours
Encourage attendance, engagement and participation in learning
Support learners who may become dysregulated or disengaged, using appropriate de-escalation and support strategies
Work alongside teaching staff to adapt activities and provide additional support where required
Help learners work towards their individual targets and wider personal development goals
Promote positive attitudes towards learning, responsibility and future employment
Contribute to a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment
Work collaboratively with teaching staff, pastoral teams, families and other professionals where appropriate

What We're Looking For

Experience supporting young people aged 16+ is desirable
Experience working with SEMH, challenging behaviour or additional needs is highly desirable
A calm, patient and emotionally resilient approach
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
The confidence to establish clear and consistent boundaries
Ability to remain composed and professional during challenging situations
A genuine interest in helping young people develop independence and prepare for adulthood
Flexible, reliable and adaptable approach to supporting learners
Previous experience in education, youth work, care, mentoring, sports, construction or a similar environment is advantageous
Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant, Youth Work, Health & Social Care or similar qualification is desirable but not essential
Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain oneAPPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VERITAS EDUCATION

All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy
Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained
You must have legal right to work in the UK
You must be willing to attend a registration interviewVeritas Education work with a variety of schools covering a wide geographical area. We deal with teaching placements at Primary, Secondary and college level as well as support staff positions also within these.

Disclaimer

'Nothing within the above advert was in any way designed or intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Veritas Education is an Equal opportunities employer and is proud in the knowledge that all placements are made on merit and suitability. We accept applications from all sections of the community
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed