Job description
Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) – Secondary School – Portsmouth, Hampshire
Start Date: ASAP | Contract Type: Full-Time
Are you a trained ELSA looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people?
GSL Education are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) to join a supportive secondary school in Portsmouth, Hampshire. This full-time role offers a rewarding opportunity to work closely with students facing emotional and social challenges, helping them to develop resilience, self-awareness, and positive coping strategies. The position is available to start immediately, with the potential for a permanent contract following a successful probation period.
The ideal candidate will be ELSA trained and passionate about nurturing student well-being through targeted interventions and emotional support.
Responsibilities of an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant:
- Deliver 1:1 and small group emotional literacy sessions to students identified with emotional and social difficulties
- Support students in managing emotions, building self-confidence, and developing healthy relationships
- Work closely with the SENCo and pastoral team to implement support plans
- Monitor and record student progress, providing regular feedback to staff and parents where appropriate
- Help create a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment
- Contribute to whole-school strategies for emotional wellbeing and behaviour support
ELSA Requirements:
- Must be a qualified ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)
- Experience supporting young people with emotional and social needs in an educational setting
- Excellent communication and empathy skills
- Ability to build trust and supportive relationships with students
- Have an updated CV and an Enhanced DBS registered on the update service or willingness to apply for one
Why choose GSL:
- Opportunity to secure a permanent role after probation
- Work in a school that values emotional and mental wellbeing
- Support from a dedicated consultant who understands your career goals
- Ethical and personalised recruitment practices
If you are an experienced and nurturing ELSA ready to support the emotional wellbeing of secondary students, we’d 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.
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 Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) 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.