SEMH Learning Support Assistant – Youth Resilience & Life Skills

SEMH Learning Support Assistant – Youth Resilience & Life Skills

Location: Dorking, Surrey

Full-time – Part-time options available 

Hours: 8:30am-3:30pm 

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 (e.g. 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 (e.g. Youth Work, Psychology, Education, or Behaviour Support) are advantageous but not essential
• Enhanced DBS check required

Why This Role Matter’s:

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.

INGUIL