At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with mental health needs and help them thrive emotionally and academically.
- Company: Milk Education, a compassionate agency dedicated to improving children's lives.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, access to training, and ongoing support for your career.
- Other info: Join a nurturing team focused on emotional wellbeing and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while building skills for your future career.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND or mental health support; passion for helping others is essential.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
Location: Ashington, Northumberland
Contract: Term-time only
Hours: 08:30 - 15:30, Monday - Friday
Start: September 2026
Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with their mental health and emotional wellbeing? Are you looking to gain hands-on experience in a specialist educational setting before pursuing a career in Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy or Education?
Milk Education is working in partnership with a fantastic specialist SEND provision in Ashington to appoint a Mental Health Support Assistant to join their dedicated, child-centered team.
About the School
This welcoming specialist provision supports pupils with Autism (ASD), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, complex learning difficulties, sensory needs, speech and language needs, and behaviours that can become dysregulated. The school is committed to creating a safe, therapeutic environment where every child feels understood, valued, and supported to reach their full potential. They achieve this through:
- Specialist teaching tailored to individual learning and emotional needs.
- Close collaboration with therapists, external professionals, and families.
- A strong focus on emotional regulation, wellbeing, communication, and positive relationships.
- Trauma-informed and restorative approaches that help pupils develop confidence, resilience, and independence.
Joining this school means becoming part of a compassionate team dedicated to improving children's lives every day.
Role: Mental Health Support Assistant
As a Mental Health Support Assistant, you'll work alongside teachers, SEN practitioners, therapists, and pastoral staff to support pupils with their emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and engagement in learning. You'll play an important role in helping children develop emotional resilience, build trusting relationships, regulate their emotions, and feel safe within the school environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide emotional and pastoral support to pupils with SEMH, Autism, and additional needs.
- Build positive, trusting relationships that promote confidence, resilience, and self-esteem.
- Support pupils in managing emotions using positive behaviour support and de-escalation strategies.
- Assist with learning activities while encouraging engagement and independence.
- Support pupils during periods of emotional dysregulation using therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches.
- Work alongside teachers and therapists to implement individual support plans.
- Assist with personal care where required.
- Observe, record, and report on pupils' emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and progress.
- Promote a safe, calm, and nurturing learning environment.
Recent experience supporting children or adults with SEND, SEMH, Autism, mental health needs, or complex needs (education, care, youth work, or support work experience welcomed). Comfortable providing personal care where required. Calm, patient, empathetic, and emotionally resilient. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. A genuine passion for supporting children's mental health, wellbeing, and personal development.
Why Work with Milk Education?
- Ideal experience for graduates aspiring to careers in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Mental Health Nursing, Counselling, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, or Teaching.
- Ongoing support if you're looking to secure a permanent school position.
- Free classroom resources to support your work.
- A dedicated consultant available whenever you need support.
- Access to CPD and specialist training to develop your skills.
- Proud to be an eco-friendly, purpose-driven agency committed to rewarding and valuing our staff.
If you're ready to make a lasting impact by supporting children's mental health, emotional wellbeing, and development, we'd love to hear from you.
Mental Health Support Assistant in Horsham employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Liverpool. With significant progression pathways, generous incentives, and a supportive environment, we empower our team to thrive in their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance with 23 days off annually plus bank holidays.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Support Assistant in Horsham
✨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 Milk Education. 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 Milk Education.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Support Assistant in Horsham
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 Milk Education:Take some time to research Milk Education 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 Milk Education
✨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 Milk Education's values and approach.
