At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs and help them build independence and life skills.
- Company: Specialist school in Barnet focused on mental health and neurodivergence.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on experience, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Ideal for graduates seeking to make a real impact in education and mental health.
- Why this job: Gain invaluable experience for a future in psychology or therapeutic support.
- Qualifications: Passion for mental health and resilience in supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 28600 £ per year.
Location: Barnet, London
Start Date: 7th September 2026
Contract: Full-time, Monday to Friday - Term Time Only
Pay: £108 per day
Sector: Education and Training - SEMH & Mental Health Support
Are you passionate about mental health, neurodivergence, and supporting young people to build independence and key life skills? Looking for hands-on experience before pursuing a career in clinical or educational psychology, counselling, CAMHS, occupational therapy, or therapeutic support?
We are recruiting compassionate, resilient, and proactive SEMH & Independence Support Assistants for a specialist school in Barnet. This school supports children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, including anxiety, trauma, attachment difficulties, ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent profiles. Many pupils have experienced adverse childhood experiences and require consistent, trauma-informed support to feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.
This school places a strong emphasis on developing key skills and independence — helping pupils build the functional, social, and emotional capabilities they need to transition successfully into adulthood, further education, employment, and independent living.
This role is ideal for graduates and aspiring professionals who want to build a long-term career supporting children with mental health and neurodevelopmental needs, with a particular focus on empowering young people to become confident, capable, and autonomous individuals.
Why This Role Is Ideal for an Aspiring Psychologist
You will gain invaluable frontline experience directly relevant to:
- Clinical Psychology - trauma-informed care, attachment theory, mental health assessment, therapeutic engagement
- Educational Psychology - understanding how SEMH impacts learning, behaviour, and school engagement
- Counselling & Psychotherapy - building therapeutic relationships, active listening, and emotional support
- CAMHS & Mental Health Services - early intervention, emotional regulation, and wellbeing support
- Occupational Therapy - sensory regulation, co-regulation, and daily living skills
- Behaviour Analysis - understanding behaviour as communication, functional approaches, and positive behaviour support
- Neurodivergence & SEN - supporting pupils with ADHD, autism, and other neurodevelopmental profiles
Through daily practice, you will develop expertise in:
- Trauma-informed and relationship-based support
- Emotional regulation and co-regulation techniques
- De-escalation and crisis management strategies
- Behaviour as communication - interpreting unmet needs
- Sensory support and environmental adaptations
- Building trust and safety with vulnerable young people
- Positive behaviour support and restorative approaches
- Teaching and reinforcing key life skills - communication
Aspiring Psychologist - SEMH & Independence Support Assistant employer: AMA Admin
Milk Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic environment for aspiring Behaviour, Pastoral, or Cover Specialists in Bradford. With a focus on professional development and valuable classroom experience, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students while enjoying consistent hours and a positive school culture. Join us to build your career in education and contribute to a thriving community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Psychologist - SEMH & Independence Support Assistant
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Aspiring Psychologist - SEMH & Independence Support Assistant at AMA Admin, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Psychologist - SEMH & Independence Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at AMA Admin connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at AMA Admin
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with AMA Admin, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and AMA Admin will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows AMA Admin that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
