SEMH Learning Support Assistant (LSA) – Southend-on-Sea, Essex

Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Job Type: Full-Time | Monday – Friday
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: £90–£110 per day (depending on experience)
Agency: TeacherActive

About the Role

TeacherActive is currently recruiting a dedicated, resilient and passionate Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join a specialist SEMH school in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.

The school supports children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, challenging behaviour and additional learning difficulties.

We are looking for someone who is patient, confident and passionate about making a positive difference to vulnerable young people who may have experienced barriers to mainstream education.

This is an excellent opportunity to work within a specialist educational environment that focuses on positive behaviour management, emotional wellbeing, therapeutic support and personalised learning.

The successful candidate will play a key role in helping pupils develop their confidence, independence and emotional regulation while supporting their academic and personal development.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs and additional learning difficulties.

• Support pupils who display challenging behaviour, emotional dysregulation and difficulties engaging with education.

• Implement positive behaviour management strategies and appropriate de-escalation techniques.

• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils who may have experienced trauma or disrupted education.

• Support teaching staff in delivering engaging and differentiated learning activities.

• Encourage pupils to develop social skills, resilience, confidence and emotional independence.

• Help pupils manage their emotions and develop positive coping strategies.

• Support pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams to promote positive outcomes.

• Maintain a safe, structured and nurturing learning environment.

The Ideal Candidate

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour or SEND.

• Experience working in specialist schools, alternative provisions, pupil referral units (PRUs), residential care or youth work would be advantageous.

• Confident managing challenging behaviour and supporting pupils during emotional distress.

• A calm, patient, resilient and empathetic approach.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

• An understanding of trauma-informed approaches and positive behaviour support.

• Ability to remain professional and composed in challenging situations.

• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable children and young people.

• An enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

Applicants from mainstream education, youth work, residential care, mentoring and behaviour support backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Why Work with TeacherActive?

• Competitive daily pay rates.

• Opportunities for long-term and permanent placements.

• A dedicated consultant supporting you throughout your placement.

• Access to ongoing training and professional development.

• Opportunities to gain valuable experience within specialist SEMH education.

• £100 Amazon voucher referral scheme when you refer a friend who successfully works through us (terms apply).

• PAYE payment options with no hidden administration fees.

Apply Today!

Are you a passionate and resilient Learning Support Assistant looking to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people with SEMH needs?

If you're ready for a rewarding opportunity within a specialist school in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, we'd love to hear from you!

Apply today with your up-to-date CV, and a dedicated TeacherActive consultant will be in touch to discuss the opportunity further.

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business in providing temporary or contract job-seeking services.

About TeacherActive

TeacherActive is one of the UK’s leading education recruitment agencies, with over 20 years of experience supporting schools and education professionals. We place teachers and support staff into a wide range of temporary, contract and permanent roles, helping candidates find rewarding opportunities that suit their experience, availability and career goals. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent service to both our schools and candidates.

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business and Employment Agency in providing temporary, contract and permanent job seeking services.

Registration may involve an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and the supply of good professional references, depending on the role. We are committed to safeguarding and compliance across all placements.

Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each education environment.