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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 CPD courses, and 24/7 consultant support.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in psychology and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Graduates in Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Science are encouraged to apply.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and access resources for your mental health and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
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?
- 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
Click ‘Apply Now’ or get in touch to find out more about this rewarding opportunity.
Criminology Graduate Southend – Aspiring Psychologist 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 Southend – Aspiring Psychologist 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. Think about how your criminology background can help you understand and support vulnerable learners effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your enthusiasm for working with young people and how you can make a difference in their lives. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate graduates like you to join our mission in supporting students.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminology Graduate Southend – Aspiring Psychologist in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience with SEMH needs and any relevant skills that show you're the perfect fit for supporting vulnerable learners.
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for working with young people! Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to support students with emotional and behavioural challenges.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the info you need about the role!
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 trauma can impact behaviour. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for supporting students during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, share examples from your experiences that highlight your empathy and resilience. Talk about times when you've supported someone in need or dealt with challenging situations. This will show that you have the right mindset for working with disengaged learners.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask your interviewers. Inquire about their approach to supporting SEMH needs or how they implement trauma-informed practices. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way! Be genuine in your responses and let your personality shine through. The interviewers are looking for candidates who are not just qualified but also a good fit for their team culture, so don’t be afraid to show your true self.
