Secondary SEMH/ASD Teaching Assistant

Secondary SEMH/ASD Teaching Assistant

Location: LS6, Leeds
Contract: Temporary to permanent (term time only)
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: £92.60 minimum per day (dependent on experience)

About the Role

We are proud to be partnering with a specialist school in the LS6 area of Leeds, dedicated to supporting students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Autism (ASD).

This inclusive and nurturing setting supports pupils who require additional guidance to thrive both academically and personally. The school takes a highly personalised and therapeutic approach, recognising each student's individual strengths, challenges and experiences.

As an SEMH/ASD Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting students across the school, helping them to regulate emotions, engage in learning, and build positive relationships. You will work closely with a dedicated pastoral and teaching team to create a safe, structured and supportive learning environment.

Your patience, resilience and ability to build trust will be essential in helping students overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Support secondary-aged pupils with SEMH and ASD needs throughout the school day
• Deliver engaging and structured learning activities that promote emotional regulation and engagement
• Work collaboratively with teaching and pastoral staff to support student wellbeing and progress
• Use effective behaviour management and communication strategies to build positive relationships
• Provide consistent mentoring and emotional support to promote confidence and self-esteem
• Support students in developing coping strategies, resilience and positive behaviours
• Assist with off-site activities and enrichment opportunities where required

Requirements

• Essential: Experience working with secondary-aged pupils with SEN/SEMH needs
• Strong patience, empathy and positive behaviour management skills
• Ability to build trusting relationships with students who may struggle with emotional regulation
• A genuine passion for supporting young people to overcome barriers to learning
• Good understanding of safeguarding and accurate record-keeping
• Team Teach trained (or willing to undertake training)
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent

If you meet the above requirements and are passionate about supporting young people in a specialist setting, please apply directly to this advert

NextGen Teachers is an education recruitment agency specialising in SEN and SEMH. We work with community schools through to multi-academy trusts across West Yorkshire, the South East of England and London, connecting educators with meaningful teaching opportunities.

We recruit for SEN qualified teachers, teaching support staff, and both short-term and long-term supply roles across Primary, Secondary and SEN schools. As a candidate with NextGen Teachers, you'll be supported by a team that genuinely cares about your career - taking the time to understand what you're looking for and matching you with schools where you can thrive and make a real difference.

Huntress does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. PLEASE NOTE! You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation before applying for any jobs. We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this role.