Learning Support Assistant - SEMH Department (Further Education College)
Location: Merseyside
Start Date: September 2026
Contract Type: Full-Time, Long-Term (Agency Placement)
Pay Rate: £13.00 - £15.00 per hour (dependent on experience)
We are currently recruiting on behalf of a well-established Further Education College in Manchester for a resilient, supportive, and proactive Learning Support Assistant to join their SEMH Department from September 2026.
This is a rewarding full-time, long-term opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and behavioural challenges, helping them to re-engage with education, build confidence, and achieve positive outcomes.
The Role
As a Learning Support Assistant within the SEMH department, you will play a key role in supporting learners who may struggle with emotional regulation, engagement, attendance, and behaviour. You will provide consistent guidance, structure, and encouragement to help students overcome barriers and succeed both personally and educationally.
You will support learners with a range of needs, including:
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- Challenging behaviour
- Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
- ADHD
- Trauma-related needs and attachment difficulties
- Anxiety, low confidence, and emotional regulation difficulties
Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing 1:1 and small group mentoring and coaching support
- Building strong, trusting relationships with learners to support engagement and progress
- Supporting behaviour regulation using positive, consistent, and trauma-informed approaches
- De-escalating challenging situations calmly and professionally when required
- Encouraging attendance, participation, and positive routines
- Supporting learners to develop resilience, confidence, and coping strategies
- Working closely with tutors, pastoral teams, and behaviour support staff
- Contributing to individual support plans and progress tracking
- Promoting a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
- Experience supporting young people or adults with SEMH needs and/or challenging behaviour
- A calm, patient, and resilient approach in challenging situations
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Confidence using positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies
- A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable learners to succeed
- The ability to remain consistent, fair, and supportive at all times
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting student welfare
- Relevant qualifications are desirable but not essential
What's on Offer?
- Competitive pay of £13.00 - £15.00 per hour, depending on experience
- Full-time, long-term role from September 2026
- Opportunity to work within a specialist SEMH department in a supportive FE college
- Ongoing support from a dedicated recruitment consultant
- A highly rewarding role where you can make a real impact on learners' lives every day
If you are passionate about supporting learners with SEMH needs and helping them overcome barriers to education and behaviour, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today to secure your Progress Coach (SEMH) role for September 2026.
