At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with mental health needs in a therapeutic school environment.
- Company: Specialist SEMH provision in Hemel Hempstead with a caring team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent training, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to helping vulnerable young people thrive.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with mental health or youth work; psychology graduates encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 19000 - 24000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about supporting young people with mental health needs, trauma, anxiety, and behavioural challenges? Do you want to make a genuine difference in a supportive, therapeutic school setting? Academics are working with a specialist SEMH provision in Hemel Hempstead to recruit a dedicated Mental Health Teaching Assistant to join their team from September on a permanent basis. This role is ideal for individuals who are calm, resilient and committed to helping vulnerable young people thrive both emotionally and academically.
About the Role
- Support students aged 5-16 with SEMH needs, anxiety, low mood, trauma histories, and behavioural difficulties
- Work 1:1 and in small groups to build confidence, resilience and emotional regulation
- Use restorative practice, positive behaviour approaches and consistent routines
- Help students access learning by providing patient, structured support
- Build trusting, professional relationships with pupils who may find school challenging
- Work closely with teachers, behaviour staff and therapists to support individual plans
This is a rewarding role where you will see real progress and be an important part of a highly supportive team.
Ideal Candidate
- Experience working with mental health, challenging behaviour, youth work, care, SEN, PRU, or alternative provision
- A calm, patient and trauma-informed approach
- Confidence supporting young people with emotional and behavioural needs
- Ability to remain professional, resilient and consistent
- A genuine desire to help young people overcome barriers and succeed
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Psychology, Criminology, Social Work, Counselling or related graduates are especially encouraged to apply, but experience and attitude are equally valued.
What the School Can Offer
- Permanent role from September
- Salary £19,000 - £24,000 depending on experience
- Excellent staff support and training
- A therapeutic, relational behaviour model
- Opportunities for progression (SEN, behaviour mentor, therapy assistant)
- A warm and committed team who genuinely care about their pupils
If you are passionate about supporting young people with SEMH and mental health needs and want a meaningful long-term role, we would love to hear from you.
Mental Health Teaching Assistant in Watford employer: Academics
Join a dedicated team in Hemel Hempstead where your passion for supporting young people with mental health needs will be truly valued. Our school offers a nurturing environment, excellent training, and clear pathways for career progression, ensuring that you can grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Teaching Assistant in Watford
✨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 that perfect Mental Health Teaching Assistant role!
✨Tip Number 2
Get your online presence sorted! Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflects your passion for supporting young people with mental health needs. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to show off your knowledge and commitment.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by role-playing common questions related to mental health support. Think about how you’d handle specific scenarios with students and be ready to share your experiences and insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for passionate individuals like you. Keep an eye on our listings and make sure to submit your application directly for the best chance at landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Teaching Assistant in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people with mental health needs shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in areas like youth work, SEN, or any roles where you've supported individuals with emotional and behavioural challenges. We want to see how your background aligns with the role!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to be yourself in your application. We value genuine candidates who can connect with our students. Share your approach to building relationships and how you handle challenging situations.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application reaches us quickly and allows you to showcase your enthusiasm for joining our supportive team.
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 SEMH needs, trauma-informed practices, and how to support young people with anxiety and behavioural challenges. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for the role.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to connect with young people. Share examples from your past experiences where you've supported individuals facing emotional or behavioural difficulties. This will highlight your calm and patient approach, which is crucial for this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to mental health and how they support their staff. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the position and want to be part of a supportive team. It also gives you a chance to assess if the school’s values align with yours.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in interviews. Be honest about your experiences and motivations for wanting to work as a Mental Health Teaching Assistant. The interviewers are looking for someone who is not only qualified but also genuinely cares about making a difference in students' lives.
