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Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)

External
IRIS logoIris · Chippenham
£23K–£24K/yrFull-timeOn-site1mo ago30+ days old, may be filled
SAFe
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Responsibilities

  • Deliver emotional literacy and wellbeing support to learners through 1:1 and small group interventions
  • Support students in developing emotional awareness, self-esteem, resilience, and coping strategies
  • Work with learners experiencing anxiety, SEMH needs, low confidence, behavioural challenges, or barriers to engagement
  • Help students build positive relationships, communication skills, and emotional regulation techniques
  • Liaise with teaching staff, safeguarding teams, parents/carers, and external professionals where appropriate
  • Maintain accurate records of interventions, progress, and learner outcomes
  • Contribute to learner support plans and wellbeing strategies
  • Promote a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment that enables students to thrive

Requirements

  • An ELSA qualification or be willing to work towards one
  • A Level 3 or equivalent qualification in supporting learners with additional needs or be willing to work towards one
  • Experience supporting children, young people, or vulnerable individuals in education, youth work, wellbeing, SEN support, or a similar setting
  • Understanding of emotional wellbeing, SEMH needs, and barriers to learning
  • A calm, empathetic, and student-centred approach
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with learners
  • Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and student wellbeing
  • Why Choose This Path?
  • Make a meaningful difference supporting learners who need it most - without:
  • High-pressure corporate environments
  • Unpredictable or unsociable hours
  • Physically demanding shift work
  • Enjoy a career with purpose, stability, and the opportunity to truly change lives.
  • Make a difference every day
  • If you're ready to be part of a supportive team and help students build confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing, we'd love to hear from you.
  • Closing Date: 31/05/26
  • Please note:
  • Vacancies may close early if sufficient applications have been received; therefore, we would encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
  • Safer Recruitment
  • We embrace diversity, recognising the valuable perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and cultures individuals from different backgrounds bring. Committed to safeguarding, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
  • As a Disability Confident Employer, we pledge to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a job vacancy and assess them based on their abilities.
  • Closing date: 31st May 2026
  • Shortlist date: 1st June 2026
  • Interview date: TBC

Benefits

Salary: £23,247 rising to £23,734 per year (Full time equivalent £25,304 - £25,835 per year)Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time - 37 hours per week, Term Time Only 36+4 weeks per yearYear-Round Employment: No unpaid breaksOutstanding BenefitsGenerous Local Government Pension Scheme30 days pro rata annual leave + 8 pro rata bank holidays2-week pro rata paid Christmas closureEmployee Assistance Programme - 24/7 confidential supportFree on-site gyms at several campusesDiscounts on shopping, technology, travel & moreCycle-to-Work schemeOngoing professional development and training opportunitiesAdditional perks including discounted meals, hair & beauty services, and local attractionsA stable, supportive role with benefits designed for your wellbeing, financial security, and career growth.

Additional Information

Do you have experience supporting young people with emotional wellbeing and social development? Or are you passionate about helping learners build confidence, resilience, and positive relationships? If you're looking for a role where you can make a real impact every day, this is your opportunity to build a rewarding career in education - offering stability, work-life balance, and the chance to support students in overcoming emotional barriers to learning and personal growth. Join our client and play a key role in supporting students' emotional wellbeing in a supportive, inclusive, and student-focused environment.


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