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SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) Learning Support Assistant

Job details
Posting date: 03 December 2025
Hours: Full time
Closing date: 02 January 2026
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 4PN
Company: Teaching Vacancies
Job type: Permanent
Job reference: cd3b532f-8cd6-4532-bfe2-df8e94c38899

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Summary

What skills and experience we're looking for

Are you passionate about supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and helping them thrive in school? We are seeking a motivated and nurturing individual to join our team as a Trauma SEMH Practitioner.

A commitment to building strong, trusted relationships with children, staff, and families is essential, as this role is central to our relational culture and restorative practice approach. You will work closely with pupils, staff, families, and external agencies to provide tailored support and interventions that make a real difference.

Our ideal candidate will:

• Have experience building strong, positive relationships with vulnerable children and their families
• Passionate about every child’s potential and committed to inclusive education.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage and motivate children and families.
• Have a calm, caring, and resilient nature

Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience.

What the school offers its staff

• Generous pension scheme.
• Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers
• Interest-free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
• Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.

Further details about the role

Visit arkdickensprimary.org/jobs to learn more.

Commitment to safeguarding

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.

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