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- Tasks: Support students with complex needs through tailored interventions and therapeutic strategies.
- Company: Join a respected SEN school in Bedford focused on mental health and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy structured professional development, internal training, and potential progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while gaining vital clinical experience.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates in Psychology or Criminology, passionate about mental health and youth support.
- Other info: Ideal for those seeking a long-term role with a minimum commitment of 12 months.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 26000 £ per year.
Location: Bedford
Contract: Full-Time | Long-Term
Start Date: September 2025 (or sooner)
Salary: £460-£500 per week
Sector: Mental Health, Clinical Development, Education and Training
Are you a Psychology or Criminology graduate looking to begin your career in mental health, clinical practice and the education and training sector? This is a Psychology Graduate Mental Health Assistant opportunity to gain vital, hands-on experience supporting students with complex needs in Bedford - and to step onto a clear pathway toward roles like Assistant Psychologist, Clinical Practitioner, or Therapist within a specialist clinical team.
Your Role:
- You'll be based in a highly regarded SEN school in Bedford, supporting children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs, Autism, and behavioural challenges.
- Working alongside a dedicated clinical and therapeutic team in Bedford, you will:
- Deliver tailored 1:1 and small group interventions
- Implement therapeutic strategies to support emotional regulation
- Work in close collaboration with educational psychologists, counsellors, and therapists
- Support the personal and academic development of students with complex needs
- Build meaningful, trusting relationships that help students thrive
Career Progression into the Clinical Team
This role is designed as a clinical stepping stone - ideal for graduates seeking careers in:
- Clinical or Educational Psychology
- Occupational Therapy or Speech and Language Therapy
- Specialist Teaching / SEN Education
- Mental Health Support and Youth Intervention
Successful Psychology Graduate Mental Health Assistant candidates will have opportunities for structured professional development, internal training, and in some cases, progression into Assistant Psychologist roles or funded postgraduate pathways. Many of our graduates have continued into permanent roles within the Bedford school's multi-disciplinary clinical team.
Who We're Looking For:
- Final-year or recent graduates in Psychology, Criminology, or a related field
- Passionate about mental health, neurodiversity, and making a difference in young lives
- Committed to a long-term position (minimum 12 months) to ensure continuity of care
- Experience working with children or young people (in any setting) is desirable, but not essential
- Motivated, emotionally intelligent, and resilient in a rewarding and sometimes challenging role
Why Join This Role?
- Gain real-world clinical experience before pursuing postgraduate study
- Be mentored by experienced professionals in education and therapy
- Work in a setting where your development is just as important as your students'
- Make a measurable difference in the lives of children with SEMH needs
- Join a supportive, forward-thinking team focused on trauma-informed care
Ideal for Psychology or Criminology Graduates preparing to launch their careers as a Psychology Graduate Mental Health Assistant in Mental Health or education and training sector.
Contact Detail:
Academics Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychology Graduate Mental Health Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the mental health and education sectors. Attend local workshops, seminars, or online webinars related to mental health support and education. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also help you make valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain relevant experience by volunteering or interning in settings that support children with complex needs. This hands-on experience will not only strengthen your CV but also give you practical skills that are highly valued in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest therapeutic strategies and interventions used in educational settings. Being knowledgeable about these methods will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your readiness to implement them effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interviews by practising common questions related to mental health support and your understanding of social, emotional, and mental health needs. Showcasing your passion and knowledge during the interview can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology Graduate Mental Health Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences and skills related to mental health, education, and working with children. Emphasise any volunteer work or internships that demonstrate your passion for supporting young people.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and your understanding of the challenges faced by students with complex needs. Mention specific experiences that have prepared you for this position and how you can contribute to the team.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills such as emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to build trusting relationships. These are crucial for a Psychology Graduate Mental Health Assistant and should be evident in your written materials.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are important in the mental health field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Mental Health
Make sure to express your genuine interest in mental health and working with children. Share any relevant experiences or projects from your studies that highlight your commitment to making a difference in young lives.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
Prepare to discuss how you handle challenging situations and support individuals with complex needs. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your emotional intelligence and resilience, which are crucial for this role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Therapeutic Strategies
Research common therapeutic strategies used in educational settings, especially those related to emotional regulation and support for neurodiverse students. Being knowledgeable about these approaches will show your readiness to implement them effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the role, the team, and the school's approach to mental health support. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
