Youth Worker - School TA

Salary/Rate:£90 - £100
Job type:Contract
Town/City:Merton
County:South West London
Type of Role:Behaviour Mentor/Learning Mentor
Job ref:10655
Post Date:13.10.25
Scroll

Meet Our Recruiter

About the Role

SEMH Teaching Assistant – SEMH and Autism Support

Merton, South West London | £95 - £100 per day | PAYE only | Full-time | Temp to Permanent | ASAP Start

Do you believe that calm, consistent adult relationships can change a young person’s life?

A specialist school in Merton is looking for a Mental Health Teaching Assistant to join their dedicated team in September. This role is in a secondary setting that supports students aged 11–16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH), Autism, and ADHD.

This position isn’t about managing behaviour in the usual way. It focuses on understanding the child behind the behaviour, recognising trauma responses, and providing stability during important moments.

What makes this setting different?

It’s part of a respected Trust prioritising emotional wellbeing and long-term staff development. The leadership team values patience, emotional intelligence, and consistency. You’ll work with professionals who understand why this work is important and will support you in doing it well.

Your role as a SEMH Teaching Assistant:

  • Support secondary-aged students with SEMH, Autism, and ADHD
  • Provide 1:1 and small group interventions focused on emotional regulation and engagement
  • Use trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches
  • Be a trusted, calming presence during challenging moments
  • Work closely with teachers, therapists, and pastoral leads

Key details:

  • Start date: ASAP/November
  • Location: Merton, South West London (good public transport and free parking)
  • Pay: £95 - £100 per day (depending on experience), PAYE only (no umbrella deductions)
  • Type: Full-time, temp to perm
  • Ongoing CPD and Trust-wide training included

This role would suit someone with experience as a:

  • Mental Health or Behaviour Support Assistant
  • Teaching Assistant in an SEMH or alternative provision setting
  • Youth Worker, Support Worker, or Residential Support Worker
  • Psychology graduate with practical SEND or mental health experience
  • Or simply someone with strong patience, emotional resilience, and a passion for inclusive education

Does this sound like the right next step for you?

If you’d like to find out more or apply, please contact Jamie Martinez at Parker Smith Inclusion or submit your CV today.

At Parker Smith Inclusion, we specialise in SEND recruitment. Our reputation is based on integrity and expertise. With over 350 five-star Google reviews, we are committed to finding the right leadership opportunities for exceptional educators.

Benefits of PS Inclusion supporting you in your Mental Health Teaching Assistant role search:

  • Tailored School Matches: We match you thoughtfully with schools that fit your experience and values.
  • Exclusive Opportunities: Many of our roles are only available through Parker Smith Inclusion.
  • Expert Knowledge: We provide honest insight into each school’s leadership, values, and expectations.
  • Transparent Pay Structure: All roles are PAYE only— no hidden deductions or umbrella companies.
  • Comprehensive Interview Support: From the application to the final stage, we’re with you every step of the way.
  • Specialist Settings: Work in schools that support SEMH, Autism, PMLD, and complex needs.

More jobs from this recruiter

View All

Autism Teacher - KS2 (Secondary Phase)

Merton
South West London
£186.73 - £248.88
SEN Teacher – Autism & Learning Needs (KS2) Start January | Long Term to Permanent Recruiting via Parker Smith Inclusion Parker Smith Inclusion are looking for an inspiring KS2 SEN Teacher to join a specialist secondary setting supporting pupils with autism, SpLD and associated learning needs. Starting in January, this is a fantastic long-term to permanent opportunity for a teacher who is passionate about inclusive education and holistic child development. The Role As the class teacher within the Autism provision, you will: Plan and deliver a broad, balanced and adapted curriculum tailored to individual EHCPs. Set clear, challenging learning targets and use assessment to inform next steps. Use creative, engaging teaching strategies to promote curiosity, independence and progress. Maintain a supportive, structured and positive classroom environment with high expectations for behaviour and learning. Work closely with the Assistant Headteacher to help develop curriculum practice across the stream. Provide pastoral support as a form tutor, nurturing pupils' social, emotional and academic development. Collaborate effectively with support staff, parents and external professionals. Why Work in a Special School? Joining a specialist setting offers incredibly rewarding opportunities: Small class sizes allowing meaningful relationships and personalised learning. A strong multidisciplinary team including therapists and behaviour specialists. Freedom to deliver creative, flexible and highly individualised teaching. A school culture built on collaboration, wellbeing and celebrating every success—big or small. Continuous professional development in SEN pedagogy, behaviour support and curriculum adaptation. Person Specification We are seeking a teacher who: Holds QTS and demonstrates strong knowledge of teaching pupils with SEN. Understands strategies for supporting ASD, SpLD and SEMH needs. Can differentiate effectively and use assessment to drive progress. Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills with pupils, parents and professionals. Is reflective, organised, enthusiastic and committed to ongoing professional development. Creates a safe, purposeful and inclusive learning environment. Safeguarding We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will undergo an enhanced DBS check. SEN Teacher – Autism & Learning Needs (KS2) Ready to make a difference? Apply today or contact Jamie Martinez at Parker Smith Inclusion for a confidential chat about the role.

Teaching Assistant - Supporting Autistic young people

Mole Valley
Surrey
£20,000 - £25,000
Teaching Assistant – Autism School Mole Valley, Surrey £20,000 - £25,000 (depending on experience) Full-time (term time only), ASAP start, Long-term to permanent If you have experience as a Special Needs Teaching Assistant, or have worked with Autistic pupils, and are looking for a new role, then this could be your next role! Or perhaps you are a Psychology graduate who has spent real time supporting people with additional needs, whether in health care, residential care, or a clinical setting, this role will feel like a natural next step rather than a leap. It is hands-on, meaningful, and it is absolutely not for someone looking for a generic classroom experience. I am supporting a school in the Mole Valley area who are in need of Teaching Assistants to work in their special school. The work is specialised. The team is exceptional. The impact you can have here is enormous. The School This is a structured, nurturing environment with small class groups, high staffing ratios, and a genuinely collaborative approach. You will see teachers, therapists, and support staff working side by side, and you will be very much part of that team. Pupils may be non-verbal, use AAC or low-arousal communication methods, require personal care, or need patient, attuned support through dysregulation. Every day is different, and every day counts. What You Will Be Doing Providing tailored support to pupils with ASC, and complex sensory needs Using communication systems such as AAC, PECs, objects of reference or intensive interaction Supporting personal care and physical needs with dignity, respect, and confidence Helping pupils regulate, access learning, and build independence step by step Implementing sensory programmes, visual structures and therapeutic approaches Working closely with teachers and onsite therapists to deliver consistent, meaningful support Celebrating progress that may be small but deeply significant You This environment suits people who already understand the realities of hands-on SEND work and genuinely enjoy it. You will thrive if: You are a Psychology graduate interested in Autism, communication, and developmental differences You have worked as a Health Care Assistant, Support Worker, Therapy Assistant or in a care-based setting You’re confident in supporting pupils with personal care or physical needs You bring patience, emotional intelligence, and a steady, thoughtful presence You’re curious, reflective, and committed to supporting young people who communicate differently Requirements Relevant SEND or care experience Ability to support children with Autism or SLD Comfortable with personal care Strong communication skills and resilience Full-time availability Genuine passion for specialist education If this SEN Teaching Assistant position interests you, apply now or contact Jamie Martinez at Parker Smith Inclusion.

Psychology Graduate Teaching Assistant - Merton/Kingston

Merton
South West London
£90 - £95
Psychology Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant – Autism, SLD & PMLD Kingston Upon Thames/Merton, South West London £90 – £95 per day (PAYE) Full-time (term time only), ASAP start, Long-term to permanent If you are a Psychology graduate who has spent real time supporting people with additional needs, whether in health care, residential care, or a clinical setting, this role will feel like a natural next step rather than a leap. It is hands-on, meaningful, and it is absolutely not for someone looking for a generic classroom experience. I am working with a specialist SEN provision in Kingston that supports children and young people with Autism/ASC, Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD), and a wide range of sensory, physical, and communication needs. The work is specialised. The team is exceptional. The impact you can have here is enormous. The School This is a structured, nurturing environment with small class groups, high staffing ratios, and a genuinely collaborative approach. You will see teachers, therapists, and support staff working side by side, and you will be very much part of that team. Pupils may be non-verbal, use AAC or low-arousal communication methods, require personal care, or need patient, attuned support through dysregulation. Every day is different, and every day counts. What You Will Be Doing Providing tailored support to pupils with ASC, SLD, PMLD, and complex sensory needs Using communication systems such as AAC, PECs, objects of reference or intensive interaction Supporting personal care and physical needs with dignity, respect, and confidence Helping pupils regulate, access learning, and build independence step by step Implementing sensory programmes, visual structures and therapeutic approaches Working closely with teachers and onsite therapists to deliver consistent, meaningful support Celebrating progress that may be small but deeply significant You This environment suits people who already understand the realities of hands-on SEND work and genuinely enjoy it. You will thrive if: You are a Psychology graduate interested in Autism, communication, and developmental differences You have worked as a Health Care Assistant, Support Worker, Therapy Assistant or in a care-based setting You’re confident in supporting pupils with personal care or physical needs You bring patience, emotional intelligence, and a steady, thoughtful presence You’re curious, reflective, and committed to supporting young people who communicate differently Requirements Relevant SEND or care experience Ability to support children with Autism, SLD or PMLD Comfortable with personal care Strong communication skills and resilience Full-time availability Genuine passion for specialist education If this SEN Teaching Assistant position interests you, apply now or contact Jamie Martinez at Parker Smith Inclusion.

Psychology Graduate Teaching Assistant

Kingston
South West London
£90 - £95
Psychology Graduate SEN Teaching Assistant – Autism, SLD & PMLD Kingston Upon Thames/Merton, South West London £90 – £95 per day (PAYE) Full-time (term time only), ASAP start, Long-term to permanent If you are a Psychology graduate who has spent real time supporting people with additional needs, whether in health care, residential care, or a clinical setting, this role will feel like a natural next step rather than a leap. It is hands-on, meaningful, and it is absolutely not for someone looking for a generic classroom experience. I am working with a specialist SEN provision in Kingston that supports children and young people with Autism/ASC, Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD), and a wide range of sensory, physical, and communication needs. The work is specialised. The team is exceptional. The impact you can have here is enormous. The School This is a structured, nurturing environment with small class groups, high staffing ratios, and a genuinely collaborative approach. You will see teachers, therapists, and support staff working side by side, and you will be very much part of that team. Pupils may be non-verbal, use AAC or low-arousal communication methods, require personal care, or need patient, attuned support through dysregulation. Every day is different, and every day counts. What You Will Be Doing Providing tailored support to pupils with ASC, SLD, PMLD, and complex sensory needs Using communication systems such as AAC, PECs, objects of reference or intensive interaction Supporting personal care and physical needs with dignity, respect, and confidence Helping pupils regulate, access learning, and build independence step by step Implementing sensory programmes, visual structures and therapeutic approaches Working closely with teachers and onsite therapists to deliver consistent, meaningful support Celebrating progress that may be small but deeply significant You This environment suits people who already understand the realities of hands-on SEND work and genuinely enjoy it. You will thrive if: You are a Psychology graduate interested in Autism, communication, and developmental differences You have worked as a Health Care Assistant, Support Worker, Therapy Assistant or in a care-based setting You’re confident in supporting pupils with personal care or physical needs You bring patience, emotional intelligence, and a steady, thoughtful presence You’re curious, reflective, and committed to supporting young people who communicate differently Requirements Relevant SEND or care experience Ability to support children with Autism, SLD or PMLD Comfortable with personal care Strong communication skills and resilience Full-time availability Genuine passion for specialist education If this SEN Teaching Assistant position interests you, apply now or contact Jamie Martinez at Parker Smith Inclusion.