SEMH Learning Support Assistant - Youth Resilience & Life Skills Location
Reigate, Redhill and Horley areas in Surrey
Hours
Full-time - Part-time options available
Overview
The SEMH Learning Support Assistant - Youth Resilience & Life Skills role is a hands on, impactful position supporting students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Working closely within the classroom and across the school, you will help students develop emotional resilience, improve behaviour, and build essential life skills that prepare them for both education and life beyond school.
This role goes beyond academic support-it focuses on guiding young people to better understand themselves, manage challenges, and make positive choices.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1 and small group support for students with SEMH needs within the classroom
- Assist in delivering structured lessons focused on life skills, emotional regulation, and resilience
- Support students in understanding and managing emotions such as anger, anxiety and frustration
- Implement behaviour support strategies and individual plans consistently
- Act as a positive role model, promoting respect, self discipline and accountability
- Help students develop practical life skills (communication, problem solving, decision making, independence)
- Support engagement in lessons by adapting tasks and breaking down learning into manageable steps
- De escalate challenging situations using calm, consistent approaches
- Encourage positive social interactions and support conflict resolution between peers
- Work closely with teachers, pastoral staff and SEN teams to ensure consistent support
- Monitor and record progress in behaviour, engagement and emotional development
- Support students during transitions, break times and less structured parts of the school day
Key Skills & Qualities
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and rapport with vulnerable young people
- Calm, patient and resilient approach in challenging situations
- Confident in managing behaviour and using de escalation strategies
- Passion for supporting young people's personal development and wellbeing
- Proactive, hands on attitude within a classroom setting
- Ability to set clear boundaries while maintaining a supportive approach
- Good teamwork and communication skills
Experience & Qualifications
- Experience working with young people, particularly those with SEMH, behavioural needs or in youth work settings
- Background in mentoring, coaching, sports or support work is highly desirable
- Relevant qualifications (Youth Work, Psychology, Education or Behaviour Support) are advantageous but not essential
- Enhanced DBS check required
Why This Role Matters
As an SEMH Learning Support Assistant focused on resilience and life skills, you will play a key role in helping young people overcome barriers that impact their education and future. Your support helps students build confidence, develop coping strategies and gain the skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
This is a highly rewarding role for individuals who want to make a genuine, lasting difference in young people's lives.
Benefits
- Excellent rates of pay
- Fast track registration and compliance
- Flexible working days and hours
- Access to our Perks Portal with a wide range of discounts
- Progression pathway with over 1000 discounted CPD courses through Milk Academy
- Free PSHE lesson plans
- Free Educator Wellbeing eBook and access to our wellbeing hub
- 24/7 support from your dedicated consultant
- Work with the UK's only eco friendly education supply agency
