Trauma SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) Practitioner

Are you passionate about supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and helping them thrive in school?  We are seeking a motivated and nurturing individual to join our team as a Trauma SEMH Practitioner.

A commitment to building strong, trusted relationships with children, staff, and families is essential, as this role is central to our relational culture and restorative practice approach. You will work closely with pupils, staff, families, and external agencies to provide tailored support and interventions that make a real difference.

Purpose of the Role

To provide specialist support for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, particularly those who have experienced trauma or present with complex behaviour. The role involves delivering targeted interventions, supporting staff in managing SEMH, and working closely with families and external agencies to ensure children can access learning and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment

 The Role Will:

• Work with class teachers to raise the learning and attainment of pupils.
• Promote childrens independence, self-esteem, and social inclusion.
• Support children individually or in groups so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning, and experience success.
• Proactively develop provision to meet the needs of children.
• Be child-centred and led in all approaches.
• Support our nurture provision, playing an active role in helping children reintegrate successfully into class.
• Provide high-quality pastoral support for children with SEMH needs to promote high expectations, raise aspirations, and facilitate strong SEMH and academic progress.

• Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
• Twice as many training days as standard.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers
• Interest-free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
• Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.

Ark Dickens is a lovely school in the heart of Portsmouth. We are a two-form entry primary academy, which became part of the Ark network in September 2014. We are a school with high aspirations and expectations to ‘Be Our Best’ in all that we do. This reflects our ethos of ensuring every child is provided with every opportunity to reach their potential.

At our school, staff wellbeing and support is of paramount importance to us. Staff are given countless opportunities as well as tailored training geared towards individual professional development. We offer a collaborative setting ensuring that staff receive responsive feedback and colleagues are encouraged to learn from one another. Hard work will never go unappreciated at Ark Dickens, where there is a spirit of recognition and reward. Our school is a rewarding and fulfilling place to work.