Job description
Behaviour Teaching Assistant
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Start Date: November 2026
Contract: Full Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £92 – £115 per day
Are you passionate about supporting young people to overcome challenges, build confidence and succeed in education?
GSL Education is seeking a Teaching Assistant and Behaviour Mentor to support pupils in a secondary school in York. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who can build positive relationships, remain calm under pressure and help young people overcome barriers to learning.
You may already work in education, or you could bring valuable transferable experience from care, youth work, mental health support, residential settings, sports coaching or mentoring. What matters most is your ability to connect with young people, set positive boundaries and help them make progress.
The Role
As a Teaching Assistant and Behaviour Mentor, you will:
- Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils who need additional help with learning, behaviour or emotional regulation.
- Build positive, trusting relationships while maintaining clear and consistent boundaries.
- Help pupils manage challenging emotions, develop resilience and make positive choices.
- Encourage engagement in lessons and support pupils to overcome barriers to learning.
- Use positive behaviour strategies and agreed de-escalation approaches.
- Support pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and other additional needs, where required.
- Work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to provide consistent support.
- Encourage independence, confidence and positive relationships with others.
- Help maintain a safe, calm and inclusive learning environment.
Who We're Looking For
We welcome applications from candidates with relevant experience in:
- Teaching or classroom support – helping pupils access learning and develop confidence.
- Youth work or mentoring – building rapport, encouraging positive choices and maintaining boundaries.
- Care or residential support – supporting individuals with complex needs or challenging circumstances.
- Mental health support – helping people manage emotions and develop coping strategies.
- Sports coaching – motivating young people, promoting teamwork and managing behaviour.
- Psychology, education or related graduates – looking to build a career supporting young people.
- Other people-focused roles – where patience, resilience, communication and relationship-building are essential.
You will be:
- Calm, patient and resilient when situations become challenging.
- Confident building positive professional relationships with young people.
- Consistent in your approach to behaviour and boundaries.
- Adaptable and able to respond to individual needs.
- A strong communicator who works well as part of a team.
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Previous school experience is beneficial, but relevant transferable experience is also valuable.
Why Work with GSL Education?
- Competitive daily rates, dependent on experience and role requirements.
- Dedicated support from an experienced education consultant.
- Opportunities for short-term and longer-term placements.
- Access to relevant training and professional development.
- Support as you develop your career in education.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to young people's lives.
Apply Today!
If you have the patience, resilience and people skills to help young people thrive, we want to hear from you.
Whether you're an experienced Teaching Assistant, a Behaviour Mentor or looking to transfer your skills into education, your experience could make a real difference.
Apply today through GSL Education to take the next step in your career in York.
GSL Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to relevant safer recruitment checks, including appropriate DBS checks and references.