Job Description

SEMH Specialist Teaching Assistant - Kettering
Via Tradewind Recruitment

Tradewind Recruitment is currently seeking a dedicated and experienced SEMH Specialist Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming and supportive secondary school in Kettering. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate individual who is committed to supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and helping them achieve positive outcomes both academically and emotionally.

You will be working closely with pupils who may present with challenging behaviour, emotional regulation difficulties, trauma-related needs, or additional learning barriers. The role requires resilience, empathy, and a proactive approach to behaviour management, alongside the ability to build strong, trusting relationships with students who may have previously experienced barriers to learning.

The successful candidate must have previous experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs. This experience may have been gained within a school, alternative provision, special school, youth work setting, residential care environment, or similar role. You will be expected to provide both 1:1 and small-group support, assist with de-escalation strategies, implement behaviour support plans, and work collaboratively with teachers, SEND staff, and pastoral teams to maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment.

This role is offered through Tradewind Recruitment, one of the UK's leading education recruitment agencies. Tradewind provides ongoing support, access to a wide range of CPD opportunities, competitive daily rates, and a dedicated consultant who understands your experience and career aspirations.

The Ideal Candidate Will:

  • Have proven experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs

  • Be calm, patient, resilient, and consistent in their approach

  • Have strong communication and relationship-building skills

  • Be confident managing challenging behaviour and supporting emotional regulation

  • Work effectively as part of a wider pastoral and educational team

  • Hold, or be willing to obtain, an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service

What We Offer:

  • A full-time, long-term opportunity within a supportive secondary school in Kettering

  • Competitive rates of pay with weekly payroll

  • Access to over 2,500 CPD-accredited courses through The National College

  • Ongoing support from a dedicated education consultant

  • Potential opportunities for permanent employment within the school

If you are passionate about making a genuine difference to the lives of young people with SEMH needs and are looking for a rewarding role within a specialist support environment, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to be considered for this SEMH Specialist Teaching Assistant position in Kettering.