Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students with SEMH needs and help them engage with education.
- Company: Milk Education, a wellbeing-focused and eco-friendly education agency.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, free training, and 24/7 consultant support.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in psychology and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Criminology or Social Science graduates with a passion for supporting young people.
- Other info: Excellent career development opportunities in psychology and mental health.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Are you a Criminology Graduate in Gateshead looking to gain meaningful, hands-on experience supporting young people with Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs in a secondary school setting? Are you interested in understanding behaviour, emotional regulation, attendance issues, and the wider social factors that impact learning?
Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly education agency, is recruiting Criminology and Social Science graduates to work in a Gateshead secondary school, supporting the most vulnerable pupils to raise attainment, improve attendance, and re-engage with education.
The Role: Student Support Mentor – Criminology Graduate (Secondary)
- Location: Gateshead
- Pay: £101.40 per day
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm (term time only)
- Start Date: 13th April 2026
- Future Opportunities: June/July 2026 intakes available
- Interviews & Trial Days: Late March / Early April 2026
This role focuses on supporting students at risk of underachievement, persistent absence, or exclusion, many of whom present with:
- Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs (SEMH)
- Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
- Anxiety, low mood, anger, or emotionally driven behaviour
- Challenging or disruptive behaviour linked to unmet needs
- SEN or undiagnosed additional needs
- Significant barriers to attendance, engagement, and learning
You will work closely with pastoral teams, SEN staff, and teaching staff to help students regulate emotions, rebuild trust, and access learning in a consistent and supportive way.
Your Experience Will Include:
- 1:1 and small-group mentoring for vulnerable pupils
- Supporting emotional regulation, self-control, and positive behaviour
- Working with students with SEMH needs and behavioural challenges
- Mentoring pupils to improve attendance, punctuality, and engagement
- Implementing personalised behaviour and support strategies
- Using trauma-informed, restorative, and relational approaches
- Supporting classroom learning where appropriate
- Building trusting relationships with disengaged or high-risk learners
- Gaining hands-on exposure to safeguarding, behaviour management, and pastoral care
This role offers excellent experience for graduates considering careers in Psychology, Youth Justice, Mental Health, Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or Therapy.
Why This Role Is Valuable Experience
- You will develop a strong understanding of adolescent behaviour and SEMH
- Insight into the link between trauma, behaviour, attendance, and attainment
- Practical experience supporting complex emotional and behavioural needs
- Skills in mentoring, motivation, de-escalation, and relationship-based practice
Why Join Milk Education?
- Training & CPD: Free CPD including SEMH, Trauma-Informed Practice, Behaviour & De-escalation, Safeguarding, and Mental Health Awareness
- Career-focused development aligned with psychology and mental health pathways
Wellbeing & Support:
- Access to a mental health and wellbeing platform (including counselling)
- A dedicated consultant who understands your long-term career goals
Benefits for You:
- Competitive daily pay
- Fast-track registration and compliance
- Flexible working opportunities
- 5-star rated agency with 3,000+ reviews
- Free access to Milk Academy (1,000+ discounted CPD courses)
- FREE wellbeing resources and school preparation materials
- 24/7 consultant support
- Work with the UK’s only eco-friendly education supply agency
- Nationwide network of schools and trusts
Who We’re Looking For:
- Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Science graduates
- Aspiring Psychologists, Mental Health Practitioners, Youth Justice or Youth Workers
- Calm, empathetic, and resilient individuals
- Graduates passionate about supporting students with SEMH needs
- Those motivated to improve attendance, attainment, and wellbeing
- Candidates confident building relationships with challenging or disengaged learners
Criminology Graduate Gateshead – Aspiring Psychologist employer: Milk Education
Contact Detail:
Milk Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminology Graduate Gateshead – Aspiring Psychologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university alumni, join relevant groups on social media, and attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to SEMH needs. Role-play with friends or family to build your confidence. The more you rehearse, the more natural you'll feel when it’s your turn to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and why you care about supporting vulnerable learners. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that align perfectly with your criminology background. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminology Graduate Gateshead – Aspiring Psychologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for working with young people, especially those with SEMH needs. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background in criminology aligns with the role of a Student Support Mentor.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by vulnerable learners and how your criminology background can help address these issues. This will show your passion and readiness to support students effectively.
✨Show Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to connect with young people. Share examples from your experience where you've shown empathy or helped someone through a tough time. This role is all about building trust, so let them see your compassionate side!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the school’s approach to supporting SEMH needs. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and career goals. Think about asking about their training opportunities or how they implement trauma-informed practices.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in interviews. Be honest about your motivations for wanting to work with vulnerable learners and how you plan to make a difference. Let your personality shine through; they want to see the real you and how you’ll fit into their team!