SEMH School Key Worker (Sleep-in)
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About the Role
Job Description – SEMH Key Worker (Sleep-in) – Great Yarmouth, East Norfolk
Location: Great Yarmouth, East Norfolk
Position: SEMH Key Worker (including 1 x sleep-in per week)
Hours: 35 hours per week + 1 sleep-in
Salary: £22,547 – £24,458 per annum (Actual Salary)
Additional Allowance: £1,344 per annum for sleep-in duties
Contract: Temp - Perm, Term Time + 1 week
Start Date: As soon as possible
About the Role:
We are seeking a committed and compassionate SEMH Key Worker to join a specialist residential setting supporting boys aged 7 - 16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Based in Great Yarmouth, East Norfolk, this full-time role includes one weekly sleep-in shift and offers a unique opportunity to be part of a highly motivated, trauma-informed team that is transforming the lives of children with complex and disrupted educational experiences.
As an SEMH Key Worker, you will work closely with a small group of children, acting as an advocate, role model, and emotional support. You will contribute to both their educational and social development - supporting learning during the school day and structured leisure and life skills activities in the residential setting. You’ll work under the direction of senior staff and alongside a wider multidisciplinary team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide daily care, supervision, and social development support for pupils with SEMH needs
- Act as a key adult and advocate for a small group of students
- Participate in the weekly sleep-in rota and support overnight pastoral care
- Deliver structured and spontaneous leisure activities to develop pupils' social competence
- Assist with pupils’ personal development, behaviour, and emotional regulation
- Maintain clear and accurate records of progress, behaviour, and interventions
- Contribute to multi-agency planning and work collaboratively with parents/carers
- Promote a nurturing, consistent, and safe environment at all times
Person Specification:
- Experience working with children with SEMH needs or in a care/education setting
- Ability to manage challenging behaviour with empathy and consistency
- Flexible, resilient, and emotionally intelligent
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Committed to safeguarding and professional development
- A variety of interests or skills (e.g., music, sport, arts, outdoor activities) that can be shared with pupils
- Willingness to undertake training and development as required
- Prepared to complete an enhanced DBS and Childcare Disqualification Declaration
What the School Offers:
- A supportive and well-established team who value diversity, creativity, and child-centred practice
- Excellent ongoing CPD and staff development programme
- A strong staff culture rooted in high expectations and holistic care
- The opportunity to directly impact pupils’ outcomes, confidence, and life chances
Safeguarding:
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and two references. This post is also likely to fall under the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009 Regulations and will require a completed declaration form as part of pre-employment checks.