At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' emotional wellbeing and promote positive behaviour in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: Well-regarded Secondary School in Braintree, dedicated to student mental health.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing training, and a supportive pastoral team.
- Other info: Ideal for those pursuing careers in psychology, counselling, or social work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience in mental health support.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and strong communication skills are preferred.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 31200 € per year.
Are you a passionate mental health officer ready to step into an educational setting? Do you have the empathy, resilience, and communication skills needed to support students facing emotional or behavioural challenges?
Braintree, Essex
ASAP 2026 - potential to be until July 2027
Secondary School - Mental Health Assistant / Teaching Assistant
Monday - Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm
Pay: 90-120 per day (depending on experience)
Applications close: 30/07/26
We are working with a well-regarded Secondary School in Braintree that is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Mental Health Assistant to join their pastoral and support team. This Braintree school is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where students feel supported both academically and emotionally.
The school places a strong emphasis on student wellbeing and mental health, with a growing investment in pastoral care, emotional support services, and early intervention strategies to help students thrive throughout their secondary education.
Job Overview- School caters for students aged 11-16.
- Full-time, Monday - Friday, Mental Health Assistant role.
- Provide emotional and pastoral support to students across KS3-KS4.
- Support students experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, behavioural challenges, or emotional regulation difficulties.
- Work closely with the SEN, safeguarding, and pastoral teams to support student wellbeing.
- Build positive and trusting relationships with vulnerable students.
- Support students both within lessons and through targeted intervention sessions.
- Promote positive behaviour, emotional resilience, and student engagement.
- Monitor and report wellbeing concerns in line with safeguarding procedures.
- Liaise with parents, carers, and external agencies where appropriate.
- Contribute to creating a safe, calm, and supportive school environment.
This Mental Health Assistant role in Braintree offers an excellent opportunity for individuals considering careers in psychology, counselling, social work, youth work, SEN, or mental health services. The school offers ongoing training, development opportunities, and the chance to work within a highly supportive pastoral team.
What we're looking for- Previous experience working with young people, mental health, SEN, or behavioural support is desirable.
- A patient, empathetic, and resilient approach.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
- Passion for supporting young people's emotional wellbeing and development.
- Good behaviour management and organisational skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff, families, and external professionals.
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one).
Mental Health Assistant -Secondary School in Colchester employer: Academics
Join a well-regarded Secondary School in Braintree as a Mental Health Assistant, where your passion for supporting young people's emotional wellbeing will be valued. The school fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment, offering ongoing training and development opportunities within a dedicated pastoral team. With a strong commitment to student mental health and wellbeing, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact on students' lives while working collaboratively with staff and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Assistant -Secondary School in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and mental health sectors. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings or can give you a heads-up on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to mental health support. Think about scenarios you might face as a Mental Health Assistant and how you'd handle them. This will help you feel more confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share your experiences and why you're dedicated to supporting students' emotional wellbeing. Authenticity goes a long way in making a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We have loads of resources and tips to help you land that perfect role. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new job postings tailored to your interests.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Assistant -Secondary School in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for mental health shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about supporting students and their emotional wellbeing, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of a Mental Health Assistant. Highlight any experience you've had working with young people or in mental health settings, and don’t forget to mention your communication skills and ability to build relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be personal, share your story, and explain how your skills align with what we’re looking for. Remember, we love a good narrative!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Mental Health Assistant in a secondary school setting. Familiarise yourself with the challenges students face and the support strategies that can be implemented. This will show your passion and commitment to student wellbeing.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, share specific examples of how you've supported young people in the past. Highlight your ability to build trusting relationships and demonstrate empathy. This is crucial for a role focused on emotional and behavioural challenges.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations involving students facing anxiety or behavioural issues. Think through your responses ahead of time, focusing on your calmness, resilience, and problem-solving skills in challenging scenarios.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions about the school's approach to mental health and wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours.
