Job description
Job Title: SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Contract Type: Temporary, Supply, Part-Time, Full-Time
Start Date: September 2026
Salary Scale: £92 – £110 per day (Depending on experience)
Are you a resilient and compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistant looking for an opportunity to make a lasting difference in young people's lives? Do you have the skills to support students with social, emotional, and mental health needs while helping them overcome barriers to learning and reach their full potential?
GSL Education Hull branch are currently hiring dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistants to work in secondary schools and specialist settings across York and the surrounding areas. Whether you are looking for flexible day-to-day supply, long-term placements, or a permanent role, we can help you find an opportunity that suits your experience, availability, and career ambitions.
As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will provide tailored support to students with social, emotional, and mental health needs, including those who may display challenging or complex behaviours. Working closely with teachers, SEND teams, and pastoral staff, you will help create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
Main Responsibilities as an SEMH Teaching Assistant:
- Provide one-to-one and small-group support for students with SEMH needs and complex behavioural needs.
- Implement positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies to promote engagement and emotional regulation.
- Support students in accessing learning by adapting activities to meet their individual needs.
- Build positive, trusting relationships that encourage confidence, resilience, and independence.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, SEND staff, and pastoral teams to implement personalised support plans.
- Monitor student progress, behaviour, and wellbeing, reporting updates and concerns where appropriate.
SEMH Teaching Assistant Minimum Requirements:
- Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, SEND, or challenging behaviour is desirable.
- Strong behaviour management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- A calm, patient, and resilient approach when supporting vulnerable learners.
- Ability to build positive relationships and work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
- An Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for one).
Why Work with GSL Education?
- Competitive daily rates of pay, with long-term placements paid fairly and consistently.
- Flexible working opportunities to suit your availability and career goals.
- Access to short-term, long-term, and permanent positions.
- Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.
- Opportunities for ongoing professional development and specialist training.
- The chance to make a meaningful impact across a variety of educational settings.
If you are a committed SEMH Teaching Assistant looking for your next opportunity in York, we would love to hear from you.
Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service or completing an application for a new check.
For more information or to register your interest in ‘SEMH Teaching Assistant’ role, or to be considered, please click ‘apply now’ to submit your full and up-to-date CV, and one of our dedicated consultants, will be in touch.
As an ethical, inclusive, and independent recruitment agency GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff in schools throughout York.