SEMH Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
Location: Dagenham, RM8
Pay: £115.00–£130.00 per day – paid only for days worked
Hours: Monday–Friday, 08:15–15:45
Working Pattern: Full-time, term-time
Work Location: In person
About the Role
We are looking for a dedicated and resilient Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to support secondary school-aged pupils with SEMH needs, autism and additional complex needs.
You will take a lead role in delivering targeted interventions to support emotional regulation, behaviour, social skills and engagement in learning. You will work closely with teachers and other professionals to provide a safe, structured and nurturing environment.
This role would suit someone who is calm, consistent and confident in supporting pupils who may present with behaviours that challenge.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead SEMH interventions, including emotional regulation, social skills and resilience.
- Support pupils to develop positive behaviour and coping strategies.
- Deliver individual and small-group interventions.
- Plan and adapt activities to meet individual needs and EHCP outcomes.
- Build positive and professional relationships with pupils.
- Monitor and record pupil progress, behaviour and wellbeing.
- Support classroom learning and provide cover where required.
- Use appropriate behaviour support and de-escalation strategies.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and other professionals.
- Follow safeguarding, child protection and school policies at all times.
About You
You will ideally have:
- HLTA qualification or relevant equivalent experience.
- Experience working with secondary school-aged pupils with SEMH and/or SEND.
- Experience supporting autistic pupils or those with complex needs.
- A good understanding of behaviour support and emotional regulation.
- Confidence leading individual and small-group interventions.
- A calm, patient, resilient and consistent approach.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- A strong understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries.
Experience within a secondary school, specialist school, SEND or SEMH provision would be an advantage.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.
The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS and Children's Barred List check where applicable, satisfactory references, identity and right-to-work checks, and verification of employment history and relevant qualifications.
In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, an online search may be carried out on shortlisted candidates as part of our recruitment due diligence.
What We Offer
- Supportive and experienced staff team.
- Small group sizes.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Company pension.
- On-site parking.
Please note: This is a term-time position. The daily rate of £115.00–£120.00 is payable for days worked only.
Pay: £115.00-£120.00 per day
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
