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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with emotional and behavioural challenges in a school setting.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on mental health and youth intervention.
- Benefits: Earn £460-£500 weekly, enjoy weekdays only, and gain valuable experience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while building your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Psychology or Criminology; passion for supporting vulnerable youth.
- Other info: Ideal for those looking to advance in psychology, social work, or education.
Job Description
Psychology or Criminology Graduate – School-Based Roles | Bedford | £460-£500 per Week
Location: Bedford
Start Date: September 2025 (or ASAP)
Contract: Full-Time | Monday-Friday | Term Time
Pay: £460 – £500 per week
Sector: Education and Training | SEN & Behaviour Support
Are you a Psychology or Criminology graduate ready to take the first step in your professional journey?
Do you want hands-on experience working with young people who face social, emotional, or behavioural challenges? Are you passionate about mental health, behaviour support, or youth intervention?
If so, this School Support Worker opportunity in Bedford could be the perfect launchpad for your career.
Why this role?
This role offers Psychology or Criminology graduates the opportunity to work in a specialist education and training setting supporting students with additional needs, including SEMH, autism, and behavioural difficulties. You'll be working alongside experienced professionals – including therapists, SENCOs, and safeguarding teams – gaining real-world experience that is highly valued by NHS mental health services, clinical psychologists, and youth offending teams.
The Opportunity for Psychology or Criminology graduate:
- Support vulnerable students aged 11-16 who may struggle with emotional regulation, social interaction, or behaviour
- Learn and apply key intervention strategies including trauma-informed practice, restorative approaches, and safeguarding frameworks
- Collaborate with a skilled and compassionate team of teachers, support staff, and external specialists
- Work one-on-one or in small groups to help young people re-engage with learning and build emotional resilience
- Gain a strong foundation for roles in assistant psychology, youth justice, social work, counselling, or educational psychology
What We're Looking For:
- A degree in Psychology, Criminology, or a related subject
- A genuine interest in supporting young people with additional needs or challenging behaviour
- Resilience, patience, and a calm, confident approach
- Ideally some experience working with children or vulnerable individuals (e.g. voluntary, paid, or placement-based)
- Someone based in or near Bedford, or happy to commute
- A desire to make a difference and grow professionally within the education and training sector
What You'll Get:
- £460-£500 per week, paid weekly
- Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm (no evening or weekend work!)
- Valuable experience for your CV and future applications to MSc/Doctorate programmes or public service roles
- Access to expert training and a supportive school network
- A meaningful role where every day, your work has purpose
This is an ideal first step for Psychology or Criminology graduate if you're aspiring to become a Youth Justice Worker, Assistant Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, or Mental Health Practitioner.
Psychology or Criminology graduate in Bedford or the surrounding areas should apply now to start your journey in mental health, education or training or youth support.
Psychology or Criminology graduate employer: Academics
Contact Detail:
Academics Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychology or Criminology graduate
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education and mental health sectors. Attend local events or workshops related to psychology and criminology, as this can help you make valuable connections that may lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain relevant experience by volunteering or interning in schools or organisations that support young people with additional needs. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your CV but also give you insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with key intervention strategies mentioned in the job description, such as trauma-informed practice and restorative approaches. Being knowledgeable about these methods will demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interviews by practising common questions related to working with vulnerable young people. Reflect on your experiences and how they relate to the skills required for this position, showcasing your passion for making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology or Criminology graduate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences, such as any work with children or vulnerable individuals. Emphasise your degree in Psychology or Criminology and any related skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting young people with additional needs. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your resilience and patience, and explain why you want to work in this role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills that are particularly relevant to the role, such as emotional regulation strategies, trauma-informed practice, and teamwork. Use examples from your studies or previous experiences to illustrate these skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the education sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics
✨Show Your Passion for Mental Health
Make sure to express your genuine interest in supporting young people with emotional and behavioural challenges. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that led you to pursue a career in this field.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you've worked with children or vulnerable individuals before, whether through volunteering or placements, be ready to discuss these experiences. Highlight specific situations where you made a positive impact.
✨Demonstrate Resilience and Patience
In your responses, showcase your ability to remain calm and patient in challenging situations. Provide examples of how you've handled difficult scenarios in the past, especially in educational or support settings.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Key Strategies
Research intervention strategies like trauma-informed practice and restorative approaches. Being able to discuss these concepts during your interview will show that you're proactive and knowledgeable about the role.
