Ready to turn your understanding of behaviour into real-life impact?

If you've studied a social science and have experience supporting children or young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

Protocol Education is working with a number of supportive primary and secondary schools across South Bristol, looking for confident, resilient and compassionate individuals to join their teams as SEMH Teaching Assistants.

This is far more than a classroom support role. You'll become a trusted adult, positive role model, and consistent presence for young people who need additional support to succeed both academically and emotionally.

Whether you're hoping to progress into Youth Justice, Social Work, Mental Health Services, Educational Psychology, Probation, Safeguarding, Policing, or Teaching, this role will give you invaluable hands-on experience supporting some of the most vulnerable young people in education.

What You'll Be Doing

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you'll:

✅ Support pupils with SEMH needs, autism, ADHD, trauma-related behaviours, and other additional learning needs

✅ Build strong, trusting relationships with young people who may struggle with engagement, emotional regulation, or behaviour

✅ Work on a 1:1 basis and with small groups to improve confidence, resilience and social skills

✅ Implement behaviour support plans and intervention strategies

✅ Help students overcome barriers to learning and achieve positive outcomes

✅ Support teachers, SENCOs, pastoral teams and safeguarding leads

✅ Celebrate the small wins that make a huge difference to a child's future

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SEN & SEMH Experience Is Essential

This role is best suited to graduates who already have experience supporting children or young people with additional needs.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have worked with:

• SEMH needs
• Autism (ASC)
• ADHD
• Challenging behaviour
• Trauma and attachment needs
• SEND provisions
• Youth work settings
• Residential care
• Alternative provisions
• Schools and educational settings

Whether your experience comes from employment, placements, volunteering, coaching, mentoring or support work, we want to hear from you.

The schools we work with need individuals who understand that behaviour is communication and can remain calm, patient and consistent in challenging situations.

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Why Criminology Graduates Thrive in These Roles

Your studies have helped you develop an understanding of:

• Behaviour and its root causes
• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
• Vulnerability and social disadvantage
• Safeguarding and risk factors
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation
• Intervention and rehabilitation strategies

Now is your opportunity to put that knowledge into practice while making a genuine difference to young people's lives every day.

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A Typical Day Could Include

• Supporting a student who finds the classroom environment challenging
• Helping pupils regulate emotions during periods of dysregulation
• Delivering interventions focused on confidence and engagement
• Encouraging positive social interactions and relationship-building
• Supporting learning in lessons across a range of subjects
• Working alongside experienced SEN and pastoral professionals
• Providing consistency and encouragement to help pupils succeed

No two days are the same, but every day provides the opportunity to have a lasting impact.

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What We're Looking For

We're seeking individuals who are:

⭐ Criminology, psychology, social science graduates

⭐ Experienced in supporting SEN and/or SEMH needs

⭐ Resilient, empathetic and emotionally intelligent

⭐ Confident communicators and relationship builders

⭐ Passionate about helping vulnerable young people achieve their potential

⭐ Able to stay calm and professional in challenging situations

⭐ Looking to gain meaningful experience within education, safeguarding or support services

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What You'll Receive

Weekly PAYE pay - no umbrella deductions

Free CPD training in behaviour management, safeguarding, SEND and SEMH

Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant

Opportunities for long-term, permanent and flexible roles

Excellent experience for future careers in Social Work, Youth Justice, Mental Health, Educational Psychology and Teaching

The chance to genuinely change the trajectory of a young person's life

If you're a Criminology graduate with experience supporting SEN or SEMH needs and you're looking for a rewarding role where no two days are the same, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and start making a meaningful difference in South Bristol schools.

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What we need to clear you

To work with Protocol Education, you'll need:

• Passport and proof of right to work in the UK
• Two proofs of address
• An up-to-date CV covering the last 10 years of work and/or education history, with any gaps explained
• An overseas police check if you have lived abroad for 3 months or more within the last 5 years
• An enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one)

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the Protocol Education website FAQs for further details. Safeguarding checks will be undertaken in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.