Student Support Worker

Key Responsibilities: 

Emotional and Behavioural Support:
• Provide 1:1/group support to students who are struggling with emotional regulation, ensuring they feel heard, supported, and safe.
• Help students develop coping strategies and emotional management techniques through positive reinforcement and nurturing interventions.
• Work closely with students to address underlying social, emotional, and mental health challenges, promoting a calming and supportive environment.

Tailored Interventions:
• Create and implement individualised intervention plans designed to help students build self-esteem, resilience, and emotional stability.
• Use therapeutic and creative approaches, including play-based learning, mindfulness techniques, and social skills development, to encourage students’ emotional growth.
• Adapt interventions based on student needs, offering flexibility and creativity in your approach.

One-to-One Mentorship:
• Develop strong, trusting relationships with students, acting as a mentor and key point of support for their emotional well-being.
• Provide continuous reassurance and guidance, helping students navigate challenges that arise both inside and outside the classroom.
• Offer an emotionally secure space where students can express their feelings and work through personal difficulties.

Crisis Management:
• Assist students in de-escalating emotional crises, using approved behaviour management and therapeutic techniques to diffuse situations calmly and effectively.
• Monitor students for signs of distress and intervene when necessary to prevent escalation.
• Record and report incidents to the pastoral or leadership team, contributing to the development of long-term behavioural strategies.

Collaboration and Communication:
• Work closely with Teachers, LSA’s, Therapists, and other professionals to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to student care.
• Participate in regular meetings to review student progress and contribute to team strategies aimed at improving emotional regulation and reintegration into class activities.
• Communicate effectively with parents or carers, providing updates on their child’s emotional progress and any concerns.

Nurture Space Environment:
• Maintain a warm, welcoming, and structured nurture space where students feel safe and comfortable.
• Create and manage calm-down areas, sensory resources, and other tools to support emotional regulation and reflection.

Supporting Student Reintegration:
• Gradually support students in reintegrating into whole-class activities once they are ready, helping them build the confidence and emotional skills needed for classroom success.
• Work with teachers to monitor the reintegration process and adapt support strategies as needed.

Experience & Skills: 

• Experience working with children or young people who have SEMH needs, ADHD, autism, or other emotional/behavioural challenges.
• Strong emotional intelligence and an understanding of therapeutic approaches for emotional and behavioural difficulties.
• Patience, empathy, and resilience when working with students in distress.
• The ability to build trusting relationships and mentor students through emotional and behavioural challenges.
• Confidence in handling emotionally challenging situations calmly and with sensitivity.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and child protection policies.
• A commitment to personal professional development is essential.