Specialist Teacher (SEMH)

Post Ref: CC044

Lead SEMH practice and drive inclusion across Calderdale
Calderdale Council is seeking an exceptional Specialist Teacher (SEMH) to provide leadership and specialist expertise in relation to Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs across educational settings.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced SEND professional to influence borough-wide practice, support schools and settings, and lead the development of high-quality inclusive provision that enables children and young people with SEMH needs to thrive.

About the role
As the lead SEMH practitioner within the SEND and Inclusion Service, you will provide specialist consultation and guidance, support complex cases and support the leadership of the strategic development of SEMH provision across Calderdale.

You will also have line management responsibility for a team of Inclusion Support Coaches and play a central role in developing workforce capability across the system.

Key responsibilities include:
• Leading the strategic development of SEMH provision and inclusive practice across Calderdale.
• Providing specialist consultation, assessment and recommendations for children and young people with complex SEMH needs.
• Supporting schools, academies and early years settings to strengthen inclusive cultures and SEMH provision.
• Leading, supervising and developing Inclusion Support Coaches.
• Monitoring and quality assuring SEMH support, service delivery and outcomes.
• Designing and delivering workforce development programmes, training and professional learning opportunities.
• Leading SEMH networks and communities of practice.
• Supporting educational settings to evaluate and improve their SEMH provision.
• Working collaboratively with education, health, social care and wider partners.
• Contributing to strategic SEND, inclusion, attendance and behaviour priorities across the borough.

About you
You will be:
• A qualified teacher with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• An experienced SEND professional with significant expertise in SEMH.
• Skilled in providing consultation, advice and support to schools and educational settings.
• Experienced in leading and developing colleagues.
• Knowledgeable about SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice and inclusive practice.
• Confident in delivering workforce development, training and coaching.
• Passionate about achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.

Why Calderdale?
This is an opportunity to play a leading role in shaping inclusion across Calderdale and improving outcomes for children and young people.
You will join an ambitious service with a strong commitment to inclusion, collaboration and continuous improvement, supported by flexible hybrid working and excellent professional development opportunities.

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS with Children's Barred List Check.

Closing date: 15th November 2026
Proposed interview date: 1st December 2026

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year (unless exceptions apply) and meet the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

We may utilise digital interview methods.

As part of our Vision (https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision/) we aim to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer a variety of flexible working / job share opportunities.

All applications are anonymised before being seen by the selection panel.

As part of our fair recruitment process, we ask that all applications are written by the candidate and that Artificial Intelligence (AI) use is limited, unless assistance is required as a reasonable adjustment for a disability. Content should be truthful, accurate, evidence based and not embellished – see guidance.