Connex - Bristol
SEMH Key Worker – Specialist Education Settings
Location: Cheltenham
Pay: £95–£110 per day PAYE
Job Type: Flexible Supply, Temporary, Long-Term & Temp-to-Perm Opportunities
Start Date: Flexible
Connex Education Partnership is looking for compassionate and resilient SEMH Key Workers to support children and young people across specialist schools, alternative provisions and SEND settings in Cheltenham and the surrounding areas.
This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced Key Workers, Teaching Assistants, Learning Support Assistants, Youth Workers, Support Workers and other professionals with experience supporting young people with social, emotional and mental health needs.
Whether you’re looking for flexible day-to-day supply, a consistent long-term placement or a potential route into a permanent role, Connex can offer opportunities to suit your experience and availability.
The Role
As an SEMH Key Worker, you will provide consistent, nurturing and individualised support to pupils who may experience barriers to learning, emotional regulation difficulties or challenging behaviour.
Your role may include:
- Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils
- Providing 1:1 and small-group support
- Supporting emotional regulation and wellbeing
- Helping pupils manage anxiety, frustration and challenging situations
- Encouraging positive behaviour and engagement
- Supporting pupils to access learning and the wider curriculum
- Developing pupils’ confidence, independence and social skills
- Supporting behaviour management and de-escalation strategies
- Helping pupils develop coping strategies and resilience
- Supporting restorative conversations following incidents
- Working closely with teachers, pastoral teams and specialist staff
- Following individual support, behaviour and care plans
- Maintaining a safe, calm and inclusive learning environment
The Pupils
You may work with children and young people experiencing:
- SEMH
- Anxiety and emotional regulation difficulties
- Challenging or distressed behaviour
- Attachment and trauma-related needs
- Low confidence or self-esteem
- Social and communication difficulties
- Difficulties engaging with education
- ADHD and associated needs
- Behavioural and emotional difficulties
- Complex SEND needs
You will not be expected to support every type of need. Connex will work with you to identify placements that match your experience, strengths and preferences.
Flexible Supply Opportunities
Our SEMH roles can include:
Day-to-day supply – Flexible work across different schools and specialist settings.
Short- and long-term placements – Greater consistency and the opportunity to build strong relationships with pupils and staff.
Temp-to-perm opportunities – Start through Connex and, where appropriate, move into a permanent position with the school.
Who Are We Looking For?
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in:
- SEMH education
- Specialist schools or alternative provision
- Teaching Assistant or LSA roles
- Key Worker or pastoral support
- Youth work
- Care or support work
- Behaviour support
- Residential or community settings
- Mental health or wellbeing support
- Working with vulnerable children and young people
Experience with Team-Teach, MAPA, de-escalation or other positive behaviour training is welcomed.
Experience within education is desirable, but we are also keen to hear from candidates with relevant backgrounds in care, youth work, residential support, mentoring, sports coaching, prison/young offenders and community support.
Why Work With Connex Education Partnership?
- Competitive daily PAYE rates
- Flexible SEMH supply opportunities
- Day-to-day, short-term and long-term placements
- Temp-to-perm opportunities
- Weekly PAYE payments – no umbrella companies
- Access to professional development resources
- Funded qualifications and training opportunities
- Dedicated SEND specialist consultant
- Ongoing support throughout your assignments
- Opportunities across a range of schools and specialist settings
If you’re passionate about helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence and succeed in education, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact Charlotte Richardson on 0117 486 5001 or email [email protected] with your CV for more information.
Connex Education Partnership is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.
Connex Education Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and candidates to share this commitment. We adhere to Safer Recruitment practices in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, and other relevant legislation. All appointments are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check.