SEMH TA

SEMH Teaching Assistant / Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Agency: Supportive Bridge Staffing

Client: Lift Firth Park (Part of Lift Schools)

Location: Fircroft Avenue, Sheffield, S5 0SD

Position Type: Permanent | Full-Time (37 Hours/Week, 39 Weeks/Year – Term Time Only)

Salary: £26,558.00 – £27,440.00 per annum (Actual Salary) + Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) & Lift Schools Benefits

Key Dates: Closing Date: 8 October 2026

About the Role

Supportive Bridge Staffing is seeking a compassionate, resilient, and skilled SEMH Teaching Assistant (HLTA standard) to work within the onsite Alternative Provision at our client school, Lift Firth Park in Sheffield.

This is a high-impact, deeply rewarding role going far beyond standard classroom support. Working with pupils who face Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), you will serve as a key adult and mentor. You will deliver targeted interventions, support emotional regulation, foster resilience, and build safe, inclusive environments where young people can re-engage with education and thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Targeted Interventions: Lead targeted 1:1 and small group sessions supporting emotional regulation, resilience, behavior for learning, literacy, and numeracy.

• Classroom & Cover Support: Work alongside teachers to adapt curriculum delivery, assess pupil progress, and independently cover lessons when required.

• Mentorship & Wellbeing: Build positive, trusting relationships with students as a key adult, utilizing trauma-informed and restorative approaches to foster confidence and positive behavior.

• Collaboration & Partnerships: Partner with teachers, SEND staff, pastoral teams, and families to strengthen home-school communication and track pupil outcomes.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience & Skills:

  • Demonstrated experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, SEND, or additional learning needs.

  • Experience or confidence in leading learning interventions, managing classroom dynamics, and covering lessons independently.

  • Skilled in restorative, trauma-informed practices and calm, solution-focused behavior management.

• Qualifications & Training Pathways:

  • Qualified Candidates: Level 3 HLTA qualification (or equivalent) with strong literacy and numeracy skills.

  • Entry / Career Development Pathway: Candidates with demonstrable experience who do not yet hold a Level 3 HLTA qualification will be fully funded and enrolled onto Lift Schools' Level 3 Apprenticeship Programme upon appointment.

• Eligibility Requirement: Must possess valid UK Right to Work (this post does not meet salary/skill thresholds for visa sponsorship).

About the School & Network

• Lift Firth Park: A vibrant 11–16 secondary school in Shiregreen, Sheffield, serving 1,200 pupils in a diverse community (where over a third speak English as an additional language). The school is undergoing transformational leadership and cultural improvements, making this an ideal time to join a forward-thinking team.

• Lift Schools Network: A national trust of 62 primary, secondary, and special schools educating over 35,000 pupils across England. Offers enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), high-quality CPD, health benefits, and career development pathways.