HLTA | SEMH Behaviour Support

Brentwood
£100–£130 per day PAYE
Full-Time | Temp to Perm
September Start

We are working with a specialist SEMH school in Brentwood that is looking for an HLTA to join their team from September.

The school supports young people with social, emotional and mental health needs. Many of the pupils have experienced disrupted education, difficult circumstances or challenges that can make engaging with school particularly difficult.

This means the role is about more than delivering lessons.

You will need to be able to build relationships, maintain boundaries and support pupils when they are struggling to regulate or engage. There will be difficult days, but there will also be plenty of opportunities to see genuine progress.

The School

The school provides a structured and supportive environment for pupils with SEMH needs.

Staff take a consistent approach to behaviour and place a strong emphasis on understanding why a pupil is struggling rather than simply responding to what they are doing.

You will work as part of a wider team, alongside teachers, pastoral staff and therapists. Staff are supported with training and guidance around behaviour and the needs of the pupils they work with.

The Role

As an HLTA, you will support learning as well as the wider pastoral needs of the pupils.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading learning with individuals and small groups
• Covering lessons and classes when required
• Supporting pupils who are struggling to engage with learning
• Helping pupils develop strategies for managing their emotions and behaviour
• Responding to challenging situations calmly and consistently
• De-escalating situations where necessary
• Building positive relationships with pupils who may initially be reluctant to engage
• Maintaining clear and appropriate boundaries
• Working closely with teachers, pastoral staff and other professionals
• Supporting pupils to develop the confidence and skills they need to make progress

You will need to be comfortable working in an environment where behaviour can sometimes be challenging. The ability to stay calm, think on your feet and remain consistent is important.

Who We're Looking For

You may already be working as an HLTA, or you could be an experienced SEND Teaching Assistant looking for your next step.

We would also consider people with relevant experience in youth work, mentoring, residential care or behaviour support.

Experience working with young people with SEMH needs is important. Just as important is your approach to behaviour.

We're looking for someone who:

• Remains calm when situations become difficult
• Can build relationships without losing professional boundaries
• Understands that trust can take time to develop
• Is confident leading learning with individuals and small groups
• Can be consistent without being confrontational
• Doesn't take challenging behaviour personally
• Is willing to reflect on their approach and adapt when something isn't working
• Wants to support young people who may have had a difficult experience of education

What the School Offers

The school provides training and ongoing support around SEMH and behaviour, alongside professional development opportunities.

You will also have the support of an experienced team and a clear behaviour framework to work within.

The position is initially temporary, with the opportunity to move into a permanent role for the right person.

If you're an experienced HLTA or SEND practitioner looking for a role where behaviour support is a significant part of the job, we'd be interested in hearing from you.

To apply, please send your CV to Elisha at elisha@psinclusion.co.uk.