Help Students Thrive - Make a Real Difference
Are you passionate about supporting young people to develop confidence, resilience, and the skills to succeed? Do you have the specialist knowledge to support students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs? If so, Walsall College wants to hear from you.
We are recruiting an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) to deliver targeted SEMH support, assess student needs, design and deliver interventions, and coach colleagues to strengthen SEMH strategies across the college. You will work with students, parents/carers, and external professionals to ensure all learners thrive in an inclusive environment and are prepared for the next stage of education, employment, or adult life.
About the Role
1. Term Time Only + 3 Weeks (39 weeks per year)
2. Deliver 1:1 and small group SEMH interventions
3. Coach and advise staff on SEMH strategies
4. Support SEND admissions, EHCP reviews, and multi-agency collaboration
5. Maintain accurate records and produce high-quality resources
6. Contribute to cross-college initiatives to enhance student wellbeing
Who We’re Looking For
Essential:
7. Experience supporting children, young people, or adults with SEND
8. Skilled in delivering, assessing, and evaluating SEMH interventions
9. Ability to coach/advice colleagues on SEMH strategies
10. Excellent interpersonal skills and professional conduct
11. Reflective practitioner able to adapt within a supervised framework
12. Relevant specialist qualifications, including mandatory completion of accredited ELSA training and ongoing professional supervision
13. Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent) and/or HLTA status
14. Accredited ELSA training (or willingness to complete)
Desirable:
15. Experience in post-16 education
16. Experience contributing to cross-college initiatives or SEMH projects
17. Experience working with external agencies to support complex needs
In Return, We Offer:
18. Competitive salaries and generous West Midlands Pension Fund contributions (21% employer contributions)
19. Outstanding staff training and team-building programmes
20. ZEST Health & Wellbeing initiative for staff
21. Cycle to Work scheme and staff discounts
22. Simply Health care scheme and Employee Assistance Programme
23. Reward and recognition programme
24. State-of-the-art campuses with industry-standard facilities
25. Access to ‘The Hub’ Gym, Spa & Sports Clinic, and The Littleton Restaurant
General Information
Walsall College is committed to equality of opportunity and creating a working environment where diversity is recognised and celebrated.
We are also committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks and an Enhanced DBS Check.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It is an offence to apply for a role if barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.