SEMH & Autism Teaching Assistant
Location: West Sussex
Salary: £20,496 – £26,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Contract Type: Permanent
Start Date: September 2025
Parker Smith Inclusion
Are you passionate about supporting young people who feel misunderstood, disengaged, or excluded from mainstream education? Do you want to make a meaningful impact on pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Autism?
Parker Smith Inclusion is working in partnership with a specialist school in West Sussex to recruit a committed and resilient SEMH & Autism Teaching Assistant. The school supports primary and secondary pupils, many of whom have faced trauma, disrupted education, and complex behavioural needs – including potential gang affiliation and high levels of emotional distress.
About the Role:
You will support students on a 1:1 and small group basis (4–8 pupils per class), helping them engage with learning, develop emotional regulation skills, and build confidence in a nurturing and consistent environment. This is a highly rewarding role that requires empathy, patience, and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Support learning and emotional development of pupils with SEMH and Autism
-
Assist in delivering a creative and flexible curriculum
-
Help manage behaviours using positive, trauma-informed strategies
-
Foster trusting relationships with students who may be disengaged from education
-
Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and support staff
Who We’re Looking For:
-
Experience supporting children or young people with SEND, SEMH, or behavioural needs (desirable)
-
Confidence working with challenging behaviour and emotionally vulnerable students
-
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
-
Calm, resilient, and nurturing with a passion for making a difference
-
Psychology graduates or candidates with youth work, care, or SEN backgrounds are very welcome to apply
What’s On Offer:
-
Permanent position through Parker Smith Inclusion
-
£20,496 – £26,000 per annum, based on experience
-
Full-time, term-time role
-
Extensive training and professional development in SEND and trauma-informed practice
-
A small, supportive school environment where you can make a lasting impact
How to Apply:
If you’re ready to take on a deeply rewarding role and help change the lives of young people who need it most, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a short covering statement to Jamie Martinez at Parker Smith Inclusion.