At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs through hands-on, heart-led interventions.
- Company: Specialist school in Reading dedicated to mental health support.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, valuable experience, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Full-time role with immediate start and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Transform your psychology knowledge into impactful support for vulnerable students.
- Qualifications: Psychology degree, genuine interest in mental health, and a positive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 24750 - 28650 £ per year.
Turn your psychology degree into real-world impact. Are you a psychology graduate who wants more than just theory? Ready to step into a role where every day challenges you, stretches you, and genuinely matters? We're looking for a Mental Health Assistant to join a specialist school in Reading supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. These students are resilient, complex, and full of potential – many have experienced adverse childhood experiences, including neglect, and need the right support to thrive. This isn't your typical classroom role. It's hands‑on, heart‑led, and deeply rewarding.
You will be working with students one‑to‑one or in small groups, focusing on their personalised intervention plans and ensuring they are able to access their education in the same way as their mainstream peers.
What You'll Be Doing- Supporting students in managing emotional regulation – helping them understand, express, and cope with big feelings.
- Building meaningful relationships that create a sense of safety and trust.
- Guiding students through social interactions, modelling and coaching positive behaviours.
- Working closely with teachers, therapists, and pastoral staff to provide consistent, trauma‑informed support.
- Being a calm, steady presence – even on the tough days.
This is your chance to take everything you've learned‑attachment theory, trauma, behaviour, cognition‑and see it come alive in real time. You'll gain:
- Direct experience working with vulnerable young people.
- Insight into trauma‑informed practice and therapeutic approaches.
- Skills highly valued in careers like clinical psychology, educational psychology, counselling, and social work.
- Stories, resilience, and perspective you simply can't get from a textbook.
- Genuine interest in mental health and child development.
- Patience, empathy, and a positive attitude.
- A willingness to learn – every single day.
- An understanding of the importance of safeguarding.
- Reading based specialist school.
- ASAP Start.
- £95 – £110 per day.
- Great hands‑on experience.
- Full time.
Mental Health Assistant — SEMH (Psychology Grad) in Reading employer: Academics
Join a supportive and dynamic team at our specialist school in Reading, where your role as a Mental Health Assistant will not only allow you to apply your psychology knowledge but also make a tangible difference in the lives of young people with SEMH needs. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values empathy, continuous learning, and professional growth, offering you unique opportunities to develop skills that are essential for future careers in psychology and related fields. With a focus on trauma-informed practices and a commitment to nurturing resilience, this is more than just a job; it's a chance to be part of a community dedicated to transforming lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Assistant — SEMH (Psychology Grad) in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university alumni, join psychology-related groups on social media, and attend local events. The more connections you make, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not even be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to mental health and child development. Use role-play with friends or family to get comfortable talking about your experiences and how they relate to the job. Remember, confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether in person or online, let your enthusiasm for mental health shine through. Share your insights from your studies and how you can apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Assistant — SEMH (Psychology Grad) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your genuine interest in mental health and child development right from the start. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your passion for supporting young people with SEMH needs.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and qualities we’re looking for. Highlight your understanding of trauma-informed practices and how your psychology background prepares you for this role.
Be Authentic:We want to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to share your personal journey or what drives you to work in this field. Authenticity can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics
✨Know Your Stuff
Brush up on key psychological theories and concepts, especially those related to SEMH. Be ready to discuss how your academic knowledge can be applied in real-world scenarios, particularly in supporting young people with emotional regulation.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your genuine interest in mental health and child development shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue this role, as it will help the interviewers see your commitment and empathy.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential challenges you might face in the role, such as managing difficult behaviours or building trust with students. Prepare specific examples of how you would handle these situations, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and calm presence.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about the school's approach to trauma-informed practice or how they support staff development. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing positively to the team and the students' well-being.
