Location: Brighton
Contract: Flexible cover (as required) – 5 days per week preferred
Start: ASAP
DBS: Enhanced DBS on the Update Service preferred
We are looking for a calm, patient, and resilient Complex Needs Assistant to provide targeted support to pupils with a range of SEND and complex behavioural needs across schools in Brighton. This flexible cover role mirrors a SEND Teaching Assistant position, with a strong focus on de-escalation, behaviour regulation, emotional support, and trauma-informed practice.
You will play a key role in helping pupils feel safe, understood, and able to engage positively in learning. This is an ideal role for someone committed to making a meaningful difference to young people with high-level needs.
Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SEMH, ASD, ADHD, and complex needs.
Use calm, trauma-informed and proactive de-escalation techniques to manage challenging situations safely.
Help pupils recognise triggers and develop self-regulation and coping strategies.
Support teachers in maintaining a positive, well-structured learning environment.
Build strong, trusting relationships to promote wellbeing, engagement, and confidence.
Record behaviour incidents, monitor progress, and contribute to individual support plans.
Assist with daily classroom routines, personalised tasks, and learning activities.
Work collaboratively with teachers, support staff, families, and external agencies.
Experience working with children or young people, ideally in SEND, complex needs, or behaviour-support settings.
Excellent communication skills, with high levels of patience, empathy, and resilience.
Ability to remain calm and solution-focused under pressure.
A flexible, proactive, and reliable approach suited to a cover-based role.
Enhanced DBS on the Update Service.
Knowledge of de-escalation, restorative practice, trauma-informed strategies, or SEMH support.
Experience within mainstream or specialist school environments.
Flexible cover work with strong preference for full-week availability (Monday–Friday).
Opportunity to make a significant impact on pupils who rely on consistency, structure, and positive role modelling.
Supportive, professional, and inclusive school environments across Brighton.
Excellent experience for careers in education, psychology, youth work, SEMH, or therapeutic support.
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Pink Tile Education, their schools and candidates all share the expectation of “Best Fit, Every Time” and our job is to ensure that every candidate we place has a positive impact on the team of their new employers.
The pay stated is inclusive of the additional 12.07% PAYE holiday.
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful applicants will be required to undertake various background checks including obtaining a DBS, if they do not hold a valid certificate that is on the update service.
Apply for Complex Needs Assistant (De-escalation Mentor – Flexible Cover)
