At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with complex needs in a specialist SEMH school.
- Company: Specialist SEMH school in Dunstable focused on mental health education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on experience, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Ideal for those seeking long-term roles in mental health and education.
- Why this job: Launch your clinical career while making a genuine impact on vulnerable young people.
- Qualifications: Psychology or Criminology graduates passionate about mental health and behaviour.
The predicted salary is between 24180 - 26000 £ per year.
Are you a Psychology or Criminology graduate looking to take your first step into a meaningful career in mental health, clinical practice, or education? We're working with a specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school in Dunstable that is offering a fantastic opportunity to gain hands‑on, real‑world experience supporting young people with complex needs.
Location: Dunstable
Contract: Full‑time | Long‑term
Pay: £465-£500 per week
Sector: Mental Health | Education and training | Clinical Development
Why This Dunstable Role Stands Out:
- Launch Your Clinical Career - Gain practical experience before postgraduate study
- Work Alongside Experts - Learn from experienced therapists, psychologists, and SEN professionals
- Build Real‑World Skills - Develop knowledge in behaviour, trauma‑informed practice, and emotional regulation
- Make a Genuine Impact - Support vulnerable young people to feel safe, understood, and engaged
- Clear Progression Pathways - Ideal stepping stone into Assistant Psychologist roles and beyond
About the Role:
This education and training role is based in a specialist SEMH school; you’ll support pupils with a range of needs including behavioural challenges, autism, and mental health difficulties. You will:
- Deliver 1:1 and small group interventions
- Support emotional regulation and wellbeing
- Apply therapeutic and behavioural strategies in the classroom
- Work closely with teachers, therapists, and psychologists
- Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils
- Encourage engagement through activities—sporting interests can be helpful but are not essential
Who This Role Is Ideal For:
- Psychology or Criminology graduates (or final‑year students)
- Individuals passionate about mental health, behaviour, and neurodiversity
- Those considering careers in clinical or educational psychology, therapy, or youth support
- Resilient, empathetic, and proactive individuals
- Candidates able to commit to a long‑term role (minimum 12 months preferred)
This role provides a strong foundation for careers in:
- Clinical or Educational Psychology
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Education and Training Sector
- SEN Teaching and Specialist Education
- Mental Health and Youth Justice Services
If you’re looking for a role in Dunstable where you can gain invaluable experience while making a real difference, apply today and begin your journey in mental health and clinical development.
Psychology and Criminology Graduate Mental Health Assistant in Dunstable) employer: Academics
Contact Detail:
Academics Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychology and Criminology Graduate Mental Health Assistant in Dunstable)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the mental health field, especially those working in SEMH schools. Attend local events or workshops to meet people who can give you insights and possibly refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with volunteering! Look for opportunities to volunteer in mental health settings or youth support services. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you real-world experience that can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to mental health and education. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role of a Mental Health Assistant. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t miss out on your chance to kickstart your career in mental health!
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology and Criminology Graduate Mental Health Assistant in Dunstable)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your passion for psychology and criminology. Highlight any relevant experience, even if it's just volunteering or coursework that relates to mental health. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the role!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're interested in this specific role and how your background makes you a great fit. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm for supporting young people come through.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills that are crucial for the role, like empathy, resilience, and communication. We’re looking for candidates who can build strong relationships with pupils, so make sure to mention any experiences that demonstrate these abilities.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on key concepts in psychology and criminology, especially those related to mental health. Familiarise yourself with terms like emotional regulation and trauma-informed practice, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for mental health shine through! Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue this career path. Employers love to see genuine interest and commitment to making a difference in young people's lives.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about how you would handle specific situations involving young people with complex needs. Be ready to discuss strategies for supporting emotional wellbeing and managing behavioural challenges, as these are crucial aspects of the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions prepared that show your interest in the role and the school. Inquire about the support you'll receive from experienced professionals or how they measure success in their interventions. This demonstrates your proactive approach and eagerness to learn.