SEN Emotional Learning Support Assistant

ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)

Trafford | Full-Time | September Start | Teaching Personnel

Teaching Personnel are working in partnership with a specialist SEMH school in Trafford to recruit a dedicated and compassionate Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) to join their team on a full-time basis from September.

This specialist setting supports pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, alongside a range of complex SEN, including Autism (ASC), ADHD, attachment difficulties, trauma-related needs, anxiety, communication difficulties, and challenging behaviours. The successful candidate will play a key role in helping students develop emotional resilience, self-regulation, and positive relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver 1:1 and small group emotional literacy interventions.
• Support pupils to develop social skills, emotional regulation, and self-esteem.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with students.
• Support pupils with complex SEN and SEMH needs both in and out of the classroom.
• Implement behaviour support strategies and de-escalation techniques.
• Work closely with teaching staff, SENCOs, therapists, and external agencies.
• Monitor and record pupil progress, wellbeing, and engagement.
• Help create a safe, supportive, and nurturing learning environment.

Requirements:

• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH or SEN needs.
• ELSA training is desirable but not essential.
• Knowledge of Autism, ADHD, trauma-informed practice, and behaviour support strategies.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Patient, resilient, and empathetic approach.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and support challenging behaviours positively.
• A genuine passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable young people.

Why Work with Teaching Personnel?

• Competitive weekly pay through PAYE.
• Dedicated specialist consultant supporting you throughout your placement.
• Access to free CPD courses and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunities for long-term, permanent, and career progression roles.
• Access to our employee wellbeing and discount benefits scheme.
• Work with the UK's leading education recruitment agency.

If you're passionate about supporting young people with SEMH and complex SEN needs and want to make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today with your CV to be considered for this September start opportunity in Trafford.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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