Trauma-Informed Teaching Assistant – Camden | SEN Teaching Assistant / Behaviour Support
A pupil having a difficult day does not always need another adult telling them to “make the right choice”. Sometimes they need someone who can recognise what is happening, reduce the pressure and help them get to a point where making that choice becomes possible.
Parker Smith Inclusion is looking for a Trauma-Informed Teaching Assistant in Camden to support children and young people who may find aspects of school, relationships or emotional regulation difficult.
We are particularly interested in people who understand that behaviour is often a form of communication and who can combine empathy with structure, consistency and clear boundaries.
You may already be working as a SEN Teaching Assistant, SEND Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Behaviour Mentor or Pastoral Support Assistant. Alternatively, your experience may come from youth work, mentoring, care, mental health or another setting where building relationships with vulnerable young people has been central to your role.
Your role
As a Trauma-Informed Teaching Assistant, you will help pupils feel safe enough to engage with the school day and gradually develop strategies that support greater independence.
Depending on the needs of the pupils, you may be:
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Providing individual and small-group support
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Building positive relationships with pupils who may initially find it difficult to trust adults
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Supporting pupils during periods of heightened emotion or dysregulation
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Helping pupils identify triggers and develop healthier coping strategies
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Using de-escalation and relational approaches rather than confrontation
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Supporting learning and encouraging pupils back into classroom routines
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Maintaining clear, predictable and consistent boundaries
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Working alongside teachers, SENCOs and pastoral professionals
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Celebrating meaningful progress, even when that progress happens gradually
What matters most
You will need:
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Patience and emotional maturity
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A calm and consistent manner
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The ability to remain professional when faced with challenging behaviour
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Strong relationship-building skills
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A willingness to understand the reasons behind behaviour rather than simply reacting to it
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Good teamwork and communication skills
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A commitment to safeguarding children and young people
We would particularly welcome experience in:
School-based experience is desirable but is not necessarily the only route into this work. The right temperament and transferable experience can be just as important.
A role where small steps matter
This type of Teaching Assistant position can be challenging, but it can also give you the chance to see progress that is easy to miss from the outside.
A pupil staying in the classroom for longer. Asking for space rather than walking out. Accepting help from an adult they previously would not engage with. Beginning to believe that school can be a place where they are understood rather than judged.
Those are meaningful achievements, and your consistency can play an important part in them.
Why Parker Smith Inclusion?
We are a specialist SEND recruitment consultancy, so you will be speaking with people who understand the difference between SEND settings, pupil needs and support roles.
Our approach is straightforward: we will give you honest information, talk through the realities of the position and only put you forward for roles we believe make sense for your experience and ambitions.
We offer specialist guidance, transparent communication and PAYE placements where applicable, with support continuing after you start.
Apply
If you are searching for a Trauma-Informed Teaching Assistant, SEN Teaching Assistant, SEND Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Behaviour Mentor position in Camden, please apply today.
I would be happy to discuss your experience, what type of pupils you feel most confident supporting and the opportunities that could suit you across Camden.
Safeguarding: Parker Smith Inclusion is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant vetting and compliance process, including satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check where applicable.