HLTA | SEMH Behaviour Support
Location: Barking and Dagenham
Pay: £100 to £130 per day PAYE
Full time | Temp to Perm
Start Date: September
This specialist SEND school in Barking and Dagenham is looking for an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join their team supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.
The school supports young people with complex behavioural needs, trauma backgrounds, and significant barriers to learning. Staff work within a structured, relationship focused environment where behaviour is understood as communication and support is delivered through consistency, clear boundaries, and trust.
This is a full time temp to perm opportunity starting in September.
The Role
You will work closely with teachers, pastoral staff, and the wider inclusion team to support pupils both in and out of the classroom.
Your responsibilities will include:
• Leading learning activities for individuals and small groups
• Supporting pupils to regulate emotions and engage with learning
• Using de escalation and trauma informed strategies to manage behaviour safely
• Building positive professional relationships with pupils who may present with challenging behaviour
• Supporting routines, structure, and consistency throughout the school day
• Providing classroom cover where required while maintaining a calm and predictable environment
What We Are Looking For
This role would suit someone who has:
• Experience working as an HLTA or strong SEND TA experience ready to progress
• Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs
• Confidence working within challenging behaviour settings
• A calm, resilient, and consistent approach
• A strong understanding of behaviour as communication
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people
Why Join This School
• Specialist SEMH setting with supportive leadership
• Experienced staff team and strong behaviour support systems
• Trauma informed and restorative approach to behaviour
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Strong staff wellbeing and support culture
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This is not a mainstream classroom support role. It is an opportunity to work within a specialist environment where your ability to build relationships, provide structure, and remain consistent will directly impact pupil outcomes.
The temp to perm structure allows you to settle into the school and secure a long term opportunity if it is the right fit.
Why Work with Parker Smith Inclusion
Parker Smith Inclusion is a specialist SEND consultancy focused on long term successful placements. We work closely with both schools and candidates to ensure the right environment and support for lasting success.
Interested?
If you are looking for a meaningful SEMH support role within a highly supportive specialist setting, we would love to hear from you.
Contact Elisha at elisha@psinclusion.co.uk