At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs in a specialist school.
- Company: Specialist SEMH school in Reading, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, develop valuable skills, and earn £90-£110 per day.
- Other info: Full-time role, Monday to Friday, in a supportive and rewarding environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while building a career in education or mental health.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or vulnerable individuals; caring and empathetic approach required.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about supporting young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs? A specialist SEMH school in Reading, Berkshire is looking for a dedicated Mental Health Assistant to join their team on a full-time basis, supporting students aged 11-16.
This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a specialist educational setting, making a real difference to the lives of young people while developing valuable skills for a future career in education, psychology, therapy, or mental health.
As a Mental Health Assistant, you will:
- Support students with a range of social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs
- Assist with group therapy sessions, wellbeing activities, and recreational programmes
- Encourage students to follow personalised support plans and daily routines
- Provide consistent emotional support, encouragement, and positive role modelling
- Work alongside experienced professionals in a supportive and rewarding SEMH environment
Who we're looking for:
- Experience supporting children, young people, or vulnerable individuals
- A caring, empathetic, and compassionate approach
- Strong communication and active listening skills
- Patience, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure
- Emotional maturity and a genuine passion for helping others
- Previous experience working with children is highly desirable, whether through schools, sports coaching, youth work, care, or voluntary roles.
If you're looking to build a career in education or mental health, this could be the perfect next step.
If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and gain invaluable experience supporting young people with SEMH needs, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today by submitting your application directly through this advert.
Mental Health Assistant - Reading employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Assistant - Reading
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at All The Top Bananas. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like All The Top Bananas.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Assistant - Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for All The Top Bananas:Take some time to research All The Top Bananas and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for All The Top Bananas's values and approach.
