Teaching Assistant

Job Title: Behavior Specialist - Primary SEMH School

Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, based on experience and qualifications

About Us: Our Primary SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) School in Bolton is dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment for students who require additional behavioral and emotional support. We are committed to fostering a positive school culture where every child feels valued, understood, and empowered to succeed academically and personally.

Job Description: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Behavior Specialist to join our team. As a Behavior Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in promoting positive behavior and supporting the social, emotional, and behavioral development of our students. You will work collaboratively with our multidisciplinary team to implement evidence-based strategies and interventions that meet the diverse needs of our students and create a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Behavioral Assessment: Conduct comprehensive assessments of students' behavioral needs and strengths, using a range of tools and observations to inform personalized support plans.

2. Behavior Management: Develop and implement individualized behavior management plans that address the underlying causes of challenging behaviors and promote positive alternatives. Provide training and guidance to staff on effective behavior management strategies and techniques.

3. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Facilitate SEL programs and interventions designed to enhance students' self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, and emotional resilience. Collaborate with teaching staff to integrate SEL into the broader curriculum and school culture.

4. Crisis Intervention: Respond effectively to crisis situations, employing de-escalation techniques and crisis management strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. Provide support and guidance to staff in managing challenging behaviors and resolving conflicts.

5. Parent and Family Engagement: Build positive relationships with parents and families, providing support, guidance, and resources to promote consistency between home and school environments. Collaborate with external agencies and support services to access additional support for students and families as needed.

6. Staff Training and Development: Deliver training sessions and workshops for staff on topics related to behavior management, positive reinforcement, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed practice. Support the professional development of colleagues through coaching, mentoring, and collaborative problem-solving.

7. Data Analysis and Monitoring: Collect and analyze data on student behavior and outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and support plans. Monitor progress towards behavioral goals and make adjustments as needed to ensure continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Education, Special Education, or a related field.
• Experience working with children or young people with social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties, particularly in a primary school or SEMH setting.
• Strong understanding of behavior management principles and evidence-based interventions, with the ability to develop and implement individualized support plans.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, families, and external stakeholders.
• Empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental approach to supporting students with diverse needs and backgrounds.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, restorative approaches, and other relevant frameworks for supporting students' social and emotional well-being.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and contribute to a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and resilience in responding to the dynamic needs of students and the school community.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
• Access to school facilities and resources for perso