Behaviour Support Assistant – SEMH Specialist

About the role

This temporary full‑time position supports young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs in a specialist alternative provision in Lambeth. You will work directly with students, delivering therapeutic and nurturing interventions to help them thrive academically and personally.

Key responsibilities

• Provide targeted 1:1 and small‑group support for students with SEMH challenges and additional learning difficulties.
• Implement positive behaviour strategies, de‑escalation techniques and emotional‑regulation support.
• Build strong, trusting relationships to promote engagement, resilience and confidence.
• Support reintegration pathways into mainstream or further‑education settings.
• Collaborate within a multi‑disciplinary, trauma‑informed team to maintain a safe, inclusive learning environment.

Required profile

• A Psychology graduate or related degree (desirable).
• Experience in youth work, support work or SEN settings (advantageous).
• Passionate about mental health, SEN and behaviour support.
• Resilient, proactive and emotionally intelligent.
• Confident using behaviour management and de‑escalation strategies.
• Committed to making a real difference for students.

Required skills

What we offer

• Outstanding experience for aspiring psychologists, therapists or counsellors.
• Highly supportive specialist setting with excellent staff‑to‑student ratios.
• Clear career pathway into psychology, mental health and specialist education roles.
• Opportunity to develop skills in behaviour management, safeguarding and pastoral support.