Mental Health & Wellbeing Teaching Assistant

Tower Hamlets | Full-Time | September Start | Interviews from Week Commencing 10th August

Are you passionate about supporting young people's mental health and emotional wellbeing?

We are working with a specialist secondary school in Tower Hamlets that is looking for a Mental Health & Wellbeing Teaching Assistant to join their team this September.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a background in mental health, psychology, counselling, youth work, wellbeing or therapeutic support who wants to make a real difference. You'll be supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them build confidence, develop emotional resilience and overcome barriers to learning.

About the Role

Working closely with the school's Mental Health Lead, Welfare Team and teaching staff, you'll support pupils through targeted emotional wellbeing interventions. You'll become a trusted adult for young people who may have experienced trauma, anxiety, attachment difficulties or other mental health challenges, helping them feel safe, understood and ready to learn.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Delivering 1:1 and small group emotional wellbeing interventions focused on emotional regulation, resilience and self-esteem

• Supporting programmes such as ELSA interventions, Zones of Regulation, mindfulness, emotional literacy and anxiety management

• Helping pupils understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings and behaviours

• Providing calm support during periods of emotional dysregulation using grounding techniques, sensory strategies and co-regulation

• Supporting pupils returning to school following periods of anxiety, emotional crisis or school refusal

• Building positive, trusting relationships with young people

• Helping pupils develop confidence, healthy friendships and social skills

• Monitoring progress against EHCP outcomes and wellbeing plans

• Working closely with the Mental Health Lead, Welfare Team, teachers, pastoral staff and external professionals

• Recording safeguarding concerns and pupil progress in line with school procedures

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Holds a Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, or a qualification in Counselling, Psychology, Youth Work, Child Development or a related subject

• Has experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, trauma, anxiety or complex mental health needs

• Has experience delivering 1:1 or small group emotional wellbeing or therapeutic interventions

• Has worked in an SEMH school, PRU, Alternative Provision, CAMHS, youth work, social care or another role with transferable experience

• Understands attachment theory, trauma-informed practice and the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

• Has knowledge of emotional regulation strategies, grounding techniques and anxiety management approaches

• Has ELSA training or equivalent experience (desirable)

• Has knowledge of TISUK, restorative practice or other trauma-informed approaches (desirable)

• Is calm, compassionate and emotionally resilient

• Can build positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries

• Has a genuine passion for supporting young people's mental health and wellbeing

About the School

This specialist secondary school supports boys with SEMH needs and provides a nurturing, trauma-informed environment where relationships and consistency come first.

Staff work closely together to create a safe space where pupils can build confidence, improve their emotional wellbeing and re-engage with education. Every member of the team plays an important role in helping young people feel supported, valued and able to achieve their potential.

The school is based in Tower Hamlets and has excellent transport links via the District Line, DLR and Elizabeth Line.

Why work with Parker Smith Inclusion?

• Specialist SEND recruitment agency

• PAYE only – no umbrella companies

• Long-term and permanent opportunities

• Ongoing SEND training and support

• Over 400 five-star Google reviews

• We take the time to match you with the right school

If you're looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference to young people's mental health and wellbeing, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today by sending your CV to Danny at Parker Smith Inclusion or call 0203 011 4848 to find out more.