At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with emotional and mental health needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: A specialist school in Oxford dedicated to trauma-informed education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing training, and meaningful experience in mental health support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and grow your skills in a rewarding role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Ideal for graduates in Psychology, Counselling, or related fields; passion is key!
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 26400 £ per year.
Are you passionate about supporting young people who have experienced trauma? We are seeking a compassionate, resilient and reflective Mental Health Teaching Assistant to join our specialist school community. Our pupils are aged 5-18 and have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, and neglect. Many present with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
This is a unique opportunity to make a genuine difference in young people's lives - helping them feel safe, understood and able to learn.
We particularly welcome applications from graduates in Psychology, Counselling, Criminology, Social Work, Youth Work or related fields. However, we warmly encourage candidates from all educational backgrounds who share our values and commitment to trauma-informed practice.
We are a specialist setting built around:
- Therapeutic approaches
- Restorative practice
- Attachment-aware and trauma-informed principles
- A strong, supportive multi-disciplinary team
The Role
As a Mental Health Teaching Assistant, you will:
- Provide 1:1 support to pupils with SEMH needs
- Lead and support small group interventions
- Help pupils develop emotional regulation, social skills and resilience
- Build safe, consistent and trusting relationships
- Support learning within and outside the classroom
- Contribute to behaviour support and therapeutic plans
- Work closely as part of a multi-disciplinary team
This role goes beyond traditional classroom support - you will play a key role in a child's emotional development and sense of safety.
Who We're Looking For
You might be:
- A Psychology, Counselling or Criminology graduate looking for practical experience
- Considering a future career in clinical psychology, educational psychology, psychotherapy, youth justice, social work or teaching
- Experienced in care, youth work, support work or education
- Passionate about trauma-informed practice
- Calm, patient and emotionally intelligent
- Resilient and able to maintain professional boundaries
- Experience working with children or vulnerable groups is desirable, but your values, attitude and willingness to learn are just as important.
What We Offer
- A supportive and reflective team environment
- Ongoing professional development and training in therapeutic approaches
- Regular supervision and guidance from experienced professionals
- Meaningful, hands-on experience working with complex needs
- The opportunity to see real, lasting impact
If you are motivated by purpose, compassion and the belief that every child deserves safety and opportunity, we would love to hear from you.
Key Information
- Oxford based Specialist school
- ASAP Start / September Start
- 90 - 110 per day
- Full Time
- FANTASTIC experience for graduates
- Amazing students and a warm and friendly school
Mental Health Teaching Assistant. Job in Oxford Education & Training Jobs employer: Academics
Join our Oxford-based specialist school as a Mental Health Teaching Assistant, where you will be part of a compassionate and supportive team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of young people who have faced trauma. We offer ongoing professional development, a reflective work culture, and the chance to engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences that foster emotional growth and resilience in our pupils. With a strong commitment to trauma-informed practice, we provide a nurturing environment that values every team member's contribution and encourages personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Teaching Assistant. Job in Oxford Education & Training Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education and mental health sectors. Attend local events or workshops, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can offer you some valuable advice.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with volunteering! Gaining experience in settings that support young people with SEMH needs can really boost your CV. Plus, it shows potential employers that you're committed to making a difference in their lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to trauma-informed practice and emotional support. Think about real-life examples from your experiences that demonstrate your skills and values. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities tailored to your interests in mental health and education.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Teaching Assistant. Job in Oxford Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people shine through. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, especially around trauma-informed practice.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Mental Health Teaching Assistant role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences, particularly those related to emotional support and working with vulnerable groups.
Be Authentic:We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to express your personality and values in your application. Authenticity can really set you apart from other candidates.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures it reaches the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Mental Health Teaching Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed practices and how they apply to supporting young people. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Share Personal Experiences
If you have any relevant experiences, whether from education or personal life, don’t hesitate to share them. Talk about how these experiences shaped your understanding of mental health and resilience, as this can really resonate with interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Empathy
During the interview, showcase your ability to empathise with young people who have faced trauma. Use examples to illustrate how you would build trusting relationships and support their emotional development. This is key in a role focused on emotional and social needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the school's approach to therapeutic practices or how they support staff development. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in being part of a supportive community.
