R2R103656 - 106585 - Specialist HLTA

Your New Organisation Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference. Your new role Are you an experienced and confident Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) (or equivalent) with a passion for supporting secondary-aged students and young adults with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you have experience supporting young people who have experienced significant trauma, display a complex behavioral response, and need help unpicking the wider issues behind their presentation? If so, we would love to hear from you. About the Role Southend City Council’s Specialist SEND Support Service is seeking a skilled and empathetic HLTA (Level 7) or somebody who is working at that level of responsibility, to join our team, focusing on supporting students with SEMH and trauma-related needs across Southend’s secondary schools. You will work as part of a multi-professional team supporting schools to meet the needs of students with complex emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges. This includes helping schools understand the underlying causes of behavior, promoting trauma-informed and attachment-aware practice, and delivering age-appropriate interventions for hard-to-reach learners. Key Responsibilities Provide targeted support and interventions for secondary-aged students presenting with SEMH needs, both 1:1 and in small groups. Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, and school leaders to develop trauma-informed strategies and inclusive classroom approaches. Support schools in understanding and responding to challenging behaviour, helping staff explore the “why” behind the presentation. Contribute to the development of bespoke support plans that address emotional regulation, resilience, and engagement with learning. Work as part of a response team alongside Specialist Teachers to support the most vulnerable and disengaged young people. Model calm, consistent, and restorative approaches, and promote positive relationships between students and staff. NB: This post is term time only so the advertised salary will be pro rata. What you'll need to succeed To be successful in this role, you should have: HLTA status (or equivalent qualification). Experience of working with secondary-aged students or young adults with SEMH and trauma-related needs. Proven ability to engage hard-to-reach learners and manage challenging situations with empathy and professionalism. Understanding of attachment theory, trauma-informed practice, and the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Confidence in delivering age-appropriate SEMH interventions in group and individual settings. Experience of working collaboratively with school teams and external agencies. What you'll get in return Competitive salary (Level 7) reflecting the specialist nature of the role. The opportunity to make a tangible difference to young people’s lives across Southend’s secondary schools. Ongoing professional development, training, and supervision within a supportive multi-professional team. The chance to shape inclusive and trauma-informed practice across the city. What you need to do now If you are passionate about improving outcomes for young people with SEMH needs and have the experience and resilience to support them in secondary settings, we’d love to hear from you. Please click 'apply online' to forward your CV and a cover letter (no more than two sides) outlining your suitability for the role. Closing date: Friday 28th November 9 am Interview date: Wednesday 3rd December If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to. Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.