Mental Health Teaching Assistant

About the role

We are seeking a compassionate Mental Health Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEM‑H provision in Hemel Hempstead. You will work directly with pupils aged 5‑16 who experience anxiety, trauma, low mood and challenging behaviours, helping them thrive both emotionally and academically.

Key responsibilities

• Provide one‑to‑one and small‑group support to develop confidence, resilience and emotional regulation.
• Apply restorative practice, positive behaviour approaches and consistent routines.
• Assist pupils in accessing the curriculum through patient, structured support.
• Build trusting relationships with students who find school challenging.
• Collaborate closely with teachers, behaviour staff and therapists to implement individual support plans.

Required profile

• Experience working with mental health, challenging behaviour, youth work, SEN, PRU or alternative provision.
• Calm, patient and trauma‑informed approach.
• Ability to remain professional, resilient and consistent.
• Strong communication skills and a genuine desire to help young people succeed.

Required skills

What we offer

• Permanent role starting September with a salary of £19,000‑£24,000 depending on experience.
• Excellent staff support, training and a therapeutic relational behaviour model.
• Opportunities for progression into SEN, behaviour mentor or therapy assistant roles.
• A warm, committed team that genuinely cares about pupils.