Full-Time Welfare Support Assistant – Secondary, Southampton, Hampshire
Do you have the passion and empathy to support students through their well-being and mental health challenges?
GSL Education are currently seeking a compassionate and proactive individual to join a vibrant secondary school in Southampton as a full-time Welfare Support Assistant. This rewarding role starts immediately, offering an annual salary between £21,500 and £24,500 (Depending on Experience), and operates during term time only from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
The ideal candidate will have experience in a similar setting or possess transferable skills from roles such as youth work, social care, or pastoral support. Patience, empathy, and a strong commitment to student well-being are key qualities needed for this position. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual to be part of a dynamic pastoral team, providing vital support to students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. You will play a crucial role in ensuring students feel supported, safe, and ready to engage in their learning.
Responsibilities of a Welfare Support Assistant:
* Provide on-call support to students across the school who are experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges
* Support students in overcoming barriers to learning and help them re-engage with their education
* Work collaboratively with teachers, senior leaders, and other support staff to provide a holistic approach to student welfare
* Offer emotional and pastoral support, ensuring students are heard and their needs are met
* Assist in the development and implementation of individual support plans for students with SEMH needs
* Help manage and resolve any behavioural or emotional issues, offering guidance and de-escalation techniques when necessary
* Ensure a safe and supportive learning environment by maintaining strong student relationships and monitoring welfare needs
* Promote positive social and emotional development by encouraging students to engage in school activities and personal development initiatives
* Provide regular reports on student welfare to senior staff and contribute to safeguarding procedures when necessary
Welfare Support Assistant Requirements:
* Experience working in a similar role as a Welfare Support Assistant or working as a youth worker, social worker, or in a pastoral setting
* A strong understanding of Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) and its impact on students' learning
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with students and staff
* Ability to remain calm and collected in challenging situations
* A proactive and empathetic approach to supporting students’ emotional well-being
* Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
* Experience working with children or young people is highly desirable
* Have an updated CV (covering the last ten years, barring any unexplained gaps)
* Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for a new one)
Why Join GSL:
* Competitive salary based on experience
* A supportive and collaborative school environment
* Opportunities for professional development and career growth
* The chance to make a real difference in the lives of students and their educational journeys
Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection, and successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks, including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service or completing an application for a new check.
As an ethical, independent recruitment agency, GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff across the UK.
For more information or to register your interest in the Welfare Support Assistant – Secondary role, or to be considered, please click ‘apply now’ to submit your full and up-to-date CV, and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch.