Job description
Make a Lasting Impact as a Full-Time SEMH Assistant in Southampton!
Location: Southampton, Hampshire
Start Date: September 2025 (or upon completion of notice period)
Position: Full-Time | SEMH Assistant | Secondary School
GSL Education are supporting a well-regarded secondary school in Southampton to recruit a dedicated SEMH Assistant to join their support team from September. This is a rewarding full-time opportunity for a nurturing, resilient, and emotionally intelligent individual who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people facing emotional and behavioural challenges.
The successful candidate will work closely with students who experience Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, including anxiety and challenging behaviour. The role involves supporting both inside and outside the classroom, helping students regulate emotions, build self-esteem, and re-engage with their learning.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide 1:1 and small group support to students with SEMH needs.
- Support pupils in managing their emotions, behaviour, and anxieties, both in and out of the classroom.
- Implement and contribute to behaviour support plans and individual learning strategies.
- Foster trusting relationships with students to boost their confidence and self-esteem.
- Liaise with teachers, SENCOs, and external professionals to ensure coordinated support.
- Promote an inclusive atmosphere where students feel valued and respected..
The Ideal Candidate will have:
- Prior experience supporting young people with challenging behaviour, SEMH needs, or anxiety-related issues in a secondary setting is essential.
- Demonstrates a calm, empathetic, and emotionally resilient approach to behaviour management.
- Possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to de-escalate situations effectively.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures (training can be provided).
- Relevant qualifications or training in youth work, psychology, or behaviour support is advantageous.
- Have an updated CV (covering the last ten years, barring any unexplained gaps) and an enhanced DBS registered to the update service or be happy to apply for one with GSL Education.
Why GSL Education?
- Competitive pay rates, commensurate with experience.
- Access to a dedicated and supportive consultant with education sector expertise.
- Opportunity to work in a rewarding and progressive school environment.
Join GSL Today!
If you’re passionate about making a difference in young lives and thrive in a role that challenges and inspires, we’d love to hear from you. Take the next step in your education support career and become a valued part of a team committed to meaningful change.
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.
As an ethical, inclusive and independent recruitment agency, GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff in schools across the UK.
For more information or to register your interest in the ‘Full-Time SEMH Assistant’ role, or to be considered, 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.