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- 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 passionate about supporting young people.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and access a wealth of professional development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 1200 - 1500 £ per month.
Are you a Criminology Graduate in Southend 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 Southend 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: Southend-on-Sea
- Pay: £101.40 per day
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm (term time only)
- Start Date: February 2026
- Interviews & Trial Days: Early February 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?
- 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
- 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
Click ‘Apply Now’ or get in touch to find out more about this rewarding opportunity.
Criminology Graduate - Aspiring Psychologist Southend in Southend-on-Sea employer: Milk Education
Contact Detail:
Milk Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminology Graduate - Aspiring Psychologist Southend in Southend-on-Sea
✨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 and get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share why you're excited about supporting vulnerable learners. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate graduates like you to join our mission of making a difference in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminology Graduate - Aspiring Psychologist Southend in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what the role involves and how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of a Student Support Mentor.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your background in criminology and any relevant experiences make you a great fit for supporting students with SEMH needs. Personalise your cover letter and CV to highlight these connections.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm shine through! We’re looking for candidates who are genuinely passionate about helping vulnerable learners. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field.
Apply Through Our Website: Make it easy for us to find your application by applying directly through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures we get all the information we need to consider you for this rewarding opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with concepts related to SEMH, trauma-informed practices, and how they impact learning. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in supporting vulnerable learners.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, highlight your ability to connect with students who have challenging behaviours. Share specific examples from your experiences where you've successfully built relationships or supported someone in need. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role and your passion for helping others.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence. Think about how you would handle situations involving students with SEMH needs or behavioural challenges. Practising these responses can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school’s approach to supporting students with SEMH needs. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and career goals.
