Job Description

Mental Health Teaching Assistant - Corby

Location: Corby, Northamptonshire
Contract: Full-Time | Long-Term | 12-Week Temp-to-Perm Opportunity
Agency: Tradewind Recruitment

Are You Passionate About Supporting Young People's Mental Health?

Tradewind Recruitment are currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate Mental Health Teaching Assistant to work within a specialist Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) school in the Corby area.

We are looking for someone who has a strong understanding of mental health and experience supporting children or young people who may experience emotional and behavioural difficulties, anxiety, trauma or challenges engaging with education.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to make a genuine difference to the lives of vulnerable young people, helping them build confidence, develop emotional resilience and achieve their potential.

The role offers a 12-week temp-to-perm pathway, giving the successful candidate the opportunity to become a permanent member of the school team following a successful placement.

The Role

As a Mental Health Teaching Assistant, you will:

  • Provide 1:1 and small-group support to students with SEMH needs

  • Support young people experiencing mental health and emotional wellbeing difficulties

  • Help students develop emotional regulation and positive coping strategies

  • Support students displaying challenging behaviour using appropriate de-escalation techniques

  • Build positive, trusting relationships with students

  • Support students who may have experienced trauma or difficulties within education

  • Encourage positive behaviour, independence and resilience

  • Provide consistent routines, boundaries and reassurance

  • Help students re-engage with learning and overcome barriers to education

  • Work closely with teachers, pastoral teams and safeguarding staff

  • Contribute to a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment

Who Are We Looking For?

We are particularly interested in candidates who have previous experience supporting young people with mental health needs, SEMH or challenging behaviour.

Relevant experience could include:

  • SEMH schools or alternative provision

  • SEN/SEND support

  • Mental health support work

  • Behaviour support or mentoring

  • Teaching Assistant or Learning Support roles

  • Children's residential care

  • Youth work

  • Pastoral support

  • Social care

  • Psychology or counselling

  • Healthcare or support work

The Ideal Candidate Will:

  • Have a good understanding of mental health and how it can impact behaviour and learning

  • Be confident supporting young people with complex emotional needs

  • Understand the importance of trauma-informed and individualised approaches

  • Have experience managing challenging situations calmly and professionally

  • Be patient, empathetic and emotionally resilient

  • Be confident maintaining clear and consistent boundaries

  • Have strong communication and relationship-building skills

  • Be passionate about supporting vulnerable young people

  • Be available for full-time work in Corby

Previous experience within an SEMH school would be beneficial, but we also welcome applications from individuals with relevant mental health, behaviour support or care experience.

Why Work with Tradewind Recruitment?

  • 12-week temp-to-perm opportunity

  • Potential to secure a permanent position within the school

  • Competitive daily rate dependent on experience

  • Full-time, consistent work

  • Dedicated support from your Tradewind consultant

  • Free CPD and professional development

  • Free access to The National College after your first day worked

  • Opportunities within specialist SEN and SEMH settings

  • Ongoing support throughout your placement

Apply Today

If you have experience supporting young people with mental health needs, emotional difficulties or challenging behaviour, and want to work within a specialist SEMH school where you can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

To apply or find out more, please send your CV to Hannah at hannah.mcmillan@twrecruitment.com.

Tradewind Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and compliance checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.