SEMH Support Worker

Are you passionate about supporting young people who need additional emotional and behavioural support in school?

A supportive secondary school in Sunderland is looking for a dedicated SEMH Support Worker to work with students across Key Stages 3 and 4. This role involves helping pupils who experience social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) challenges, providing the guidance and encouragement they need to stay engaged in learning and achieve their potential.

This opportunity is ideal for graduates or individuals considering careers in teaching, youth work, educational psychology, or SEN support who want to gain hands-on experience in a school environment.

The Role

As an SEMH Support Worker, you will play an important role in supporting students both academically and emotionally.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Providing one-to-one and small group support for students who need additional behavioural or emotional guidance
• Helping pupils manage their emotions and develop positive coping strategies
• Supporting teachers in maintaining an inclusive and structured classroom environment
• Encouraging student engagement, confidence, and positive learning behaviours
• Assisting with classroom activities and tailored interventions designed to support individual needs

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking individuals who are enthusiastic about making a difference in the lives of young people.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A degree or relevant experience working with young people
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• A calm, patient, and empathetic approach
• An interest in SEMH support, SEN, teaching, or youth development
• Experience such as mentoring, tutoring, coaching, or volunteering with young people (desirable but not essential)

Why Work With Protocol Education?

Protocol Education specialises in connecting passionate support staff with schools where they can thrive.

When you join us, you will benefit from:

• Weekly PAYE pay with no hidden deductions
• Ongoing support from a dedicated education consultant
• Access to roles across Sunderland and the surrounding areas
• Referral bonuses when you recommend friends or colleagues

As part of the Supporting Education Group, we partner with schools that value committed and motivated staff. Our team offers local expertise, personalised placements, and continued support throughout your education career.

Professional Development

We are committed to helping you grow professionally through:

• Free CPD courses covering SEND awareness, behaviour management, and classroom strategies
• Thrive training focused on supporting student wellbeing and emotional development

This role offers the chance to make a genuine impact on students who need positive support and encouragement, while gaining valuable experience within education.

Apply today to begin your journey as an SEMH Support Worker in Sunderland.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further 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.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the 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 FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.

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