Education World Ltd
SEMH Support Assistant - Sunderland
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SEMH Support Assistant – Secondary
Sunderland | Full Time & Flexible Options Available
We are seeking a compassionate, resilient, and experienced SEMH Support Assistant to support secondary age students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs who display avoidant and challenging behaviour.
This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated professional who can build trusting relationships with vulnerable young people, helping them overcome barriers to engagement and supporting them to access their education successfully. The successful candidate will work directly with students who may be school-avoidant or at risk of exclusion, delivering tailored support that promotes positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and educational progress.
The Role:
- Provide one-to-one and small group support to secondary age students with SEMH needs who display avoidant and challenging behaviour
- Build positive, trusting relationships with young people who may be disengaged, vulnerable, or facing complex emotional and behavioural challenges
- Develop and deliver individualised support strategies that address avoidance, promote engagement, and build resilience
- Support students to develop emotional regulation skills, positive coping strategies, and readiness to participate in their education
- Work collaboratively with families, school staff, and other professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to support
- Implement de-escalation techniques and behaviour management strategies during challenging situations
- Facilitate activities that develop social skills, confidence, and emotional wellbeing
- Act as a positive role model and advocate for the young people you support
- Monitor and record student progress, providing feedback to relevant stakeholders
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The Ideal Candidate Will:
- Have proven experience working with young people with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour, ideally in secondary education settings
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of the factors that contribute to school avoidance and challenging behaviour in young people
- Be confident managing challenging behaviour and implementing de-escalation strategies
- Be patient, empathetic, resilient, and able to remain calm under pressure
- Have excellent communication skills and the ability to build rapport with hard-to-reach young people
- Have a current enhanced DBS check on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one
- Desirable: A recognised qualification in behaviour management, trauma-informed practice, or mental health support
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people
- Varied and rewarding role supporting students with complex needs
- Flexible working arrangements – Full time and flexible options available
- Supportive team environment with access to supervision and professional development
- Opportunity to contribute to positive outcomes and successful educational engagement
- Weekly pay via PAYE with no hidden deductions
- Ongoing support from a dedicated education consultant
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Why Work with Education World?
- REC Audited Education Status – Recognised for the highest recruitment standards
- Weekly Pay – Paid every Friday, always on time
- PAYE Only – No umbrella companies or hidden fees
- Free CPD Opportunities – Access to professional development
- Rated 4.9 on Trustpilot – Trusted by hundreds of education professionals
- Dedicated Consultants – Local knowledge and ongoing support
- Candidate-First Approach – Your availability, preferences, and wellbeing always come first
- Referral Bonus – Recommend a friend and earn uncapped rewards (T&Cs apply)
Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and candidates to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and compliance checks in line with regulatory requirements and the REC Code of Professional Practice.
Education World is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
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