Social and Emotional Support Worker - Reading

Our specialist school in Reading is looking for a Social and Emotional Support Worker to join our dedicated team, providing essential care and support to pupils with SEMH challenges, learning difficulties, and complex needs.

This specialist school offer a nurturing and inclusive environment where every young person is seen, heard, and supported. Many of their students face significant barriers to learning, and we are committed to offering them the emotional and educational tools they need to thrive.

We are seeking a Social and Emotional Support Worker who can bring empathy, patience, and a strong understanding of emotional and behavioural needs. In this role, you will provide tailored 1:1 and small-group emotional support to students who often struggle with self-regulation, anxiety, trauma, or attachment difficulties.

As a Social and Emotional Support Worker, your responsibilities will include:

• Offering 1:1 and small-group emotional support tailored to students with SEMH and learning needs
• Supporting students with self-expression, emotional regulation, and managing behaviour positively
• Creating individual support plans in partnership with the SEN team and therapists
• Building consistent, trusting relationships with students to foster emotional safety
• Supporting transitions between lessons and managing emotional dysregulation
• Helping develop social communication skills and resilience strategies
• Working alongside teachers, parents/carers, and external professionals to ensure holistic support
• Tracking emotional and behavioural progress and contributing to review meetings

The ideal Social and Emotional Support Worker will:

• Have experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, special educational needs, or behavioural challenges
• Bring a calm, consistent and non-judgemental approach
• Be emotionally resilient and able to de-escalate challenging situations
• Have relevant qualifications (e.g., Psychology, Education, Youth Work) - desirable but not essential
• Have a passion for inclusion, mental health advocacy, and trauma-informed care

Key Details

• Social and Emotional Support Worker - Reading
• -85100 per day (depending on experience)
• September
• Full-time, long-term
• Specialist SEMH and Complex Needs School

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to make a genuine impact in a meaningful career, whether you''re a recent graduate, aspiring SEN teacher, future therapist, or simply someone passionate about supporting vulnerable children.

If you''re ready to step into a rewarding role where every day brings purpose, growth, and connection, apply now to become a Social and Emotional Support Worker - Reading