At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students, helping them engage with education and manage their emotions.
- Company: Join a leading agency focused on youth justice and social support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and access to free training resources.
- Other info: Gain hands-on experience and develop skills in mentoring and emotional regulation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while building your career in youth justice.
- Qualifications: Psychology or Criminology graduates passionate about social justice and supporting vulnerable learners.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Role: Student Support Mentor (SEMH & Vulnerable Learners)
Location: West Drayton | Pay: £115.90/day | Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30am–3:30pm (term time only)
Start Date: September 2026 (with additional roles available throughout the academic year)
Are you a Psychology or Criminology Graduate with a passion for youth justice, social justice, and working with vulnerable and challenging children? This is your opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on experience supporting young people at risk of exclusion, persistent absence, and criminal exploitation—while building a strong foundation for a career in youth justice, forensic psychology, or social work.
The Role: Student Support Mentor in West Drayton
Based within a secondary school in West Drayton, you will work closely with the pastoral, SEN, and teaching teams to support the most vulnerable pupils. Many of these students present with:
- Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
- Anxiety, low mood, anger, or emotionally driven behaviour
- Challenging or disruptive behaviour linked to unmet needs
- Undiagnosed SEN or additional learning needs
- Significant barriers to attendance, engagement, and learning
- Sensory processing difficulties and motor skill challenges
Your role will be to help these students regulate their emotions, rebuild trust, develop functional independence, and re-engage with education. You will work 1:1 and in small groups, using trauma-informed, relational, and restorative approaches to support behaviour change and improved outcomes.
What You Will Gain: This role offers exceptional experience for graduates pursuing careers in:
- Youth Justice
- Probation Services
- Forensic Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Work
- Mental Health and Therapy
Your daily experience will include:
- Mentoring vulnerable pupils to improve attendance, punctuality, and engagement
- Supporting emotional regulation, self-control, and positive behaviour
- Implementing personalised behaviour and support strategies
- Using restorative practice and de-escalation techniques
- Delivering sensory breaks and movement-based interventions
- Supporting students with fine motor difficulties and functional independence
- Assisting with transitions and daily school routines
- Gaining exposure to safeguarding, pastoral care, and behaviour management
- Building trusting, consistent relationships with disengaged or high-risk learners
- Understanding the link between trauma, behaviour, and social inequality
Why This Role Is Invaluable for Your Career: You will develop:
- A deep understanding of adolescent behaviour, SEMH, and the psychology of offending
- Insight into how trauma, poverty, and systemic disadvantage impact young people
- Practical skills in mentoring, motivation, de-escalation, and relationship-based practice
- Knowledge of sensory processing and OT-informed interventions
- A critical understanding of social justice and early intervention as a tool for diversion from the criminal justice system
What We Offer:
- Training & CPD: Free CPD including SEMH, Trauma-Informed Practice, Behaviour & De-escalation, Safeguarding, and Mental Health Awareness
- Training in sensory integration and OT-informed approaches
- Career-focused development aligned with youth justice, psychology, and therapy pathways
Wellbeing & Support: Access to a mental health and wellbeing platform (including counselling) and a dedicated consultant who understands your long-term career goals.
Benefits for You:
- Competitive daily pay (£115.90)
- 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:
- Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, or Social Science graduates
- Aspiring Youth Justice Officers, Probation Officers, Forensic Psychologists, Educational Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists, Social Workers, or Mental Health Practitioners
- Calm, empathetic, and resilient individuals
- Graduates passionate about supporting students with SEMH needs and advocating for social justice
- Those motivated to improve attendance, attainment, and wellbeing to divert young people from the criminal justice system
- Candidates confident building relationships with challenging or disengaged learners
- Those with an interest in sensory processing, motor development, and how daily activities support mental health
- A genuine commitment to working with vulnerable and challenging children and a belief in restorative and relational practice
Psychology Graduate – Aspiring Youth Justice Officer 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.
