At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students in a secondary school, helping them overcome barriers to learning.
- Company: Join Milk Education, the UK's eco-friendly education supply agency.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and access to free CPD courses.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while making a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Psychology or related degree; passion for supporting young people.
- Other info: 24/7 consultant support and a network of schools across England.
Are you a Psychology Graduate in Southend looking to gain meaningful, hands-on experience supporting vulnerable young people in a secondary school setting? Are you interested in working closely with students facing barriers to learning, attendance, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing?
Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly education agency, is recruiting Psychology 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 – Psychology 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 or persistent absence, including those with:
- Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs (SEMH)
- Trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- Anxiety, low mood, or behavioural challenges
- SEN or undiagnosed additional needs
- Barriers to attendance and engagement
You will work closely with pastoral teams, SEN staff, and teachers to help students rebuild confidence, regulate emotions, and access learning.
Your Experience Will Include:
- 1:1 and small-group support for vulnerable pupils
- Supporting emotional regulation, resilience, and positive behaviour
- Mentoring students to improve attendance, punctuality, and engagement
- Implementing personalised strategies to support learning and attainment
- Using trauma-informed and restorative approaches
- Supporting classroom learning where appropriate
- Building trusting relationships with students who are disengaged from education
- Gaining exposure to safeguarding, behaviour management, and pastoral care
This role provides excellent experience for graduates considering careers in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Youth Work, Mental Health, or Therapy.
Why This Role Is Valuable Experience
- You will develop a strong understanding of adolescent mental health
- Insight into the link between wellbeing, behaviour, attendance, and attainment
- Practical experience supporting complex emotional and behavioural needs
- Skills in motivation, mentoring, and relationship-based interventions
Why Join Milk Education?
Training & CPD
- Free CPD including Trauma-Informed Practice, Behaviour & De-escalation, Safeguarding, SEMH, and Mental Health Awareness
- Career-focused development aligned with psychology and therapy 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:
- Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, or Social Science graduates
- Aspiring Educational or Clinical Psychologists, Therapists, or Youth Workers
- Calm, empathetic, and resilient individuals
- Graduates passionate about supporting vulnerable young people
- Those motivated to improve student attendance, attainment, and wellbeing
- Candidates confident building relationships with challenging or disengaged learners
Benefits to YOU:
- Excellent rates of pay!
- Speedy registration process & fast track compliance.
- Flexible days and working hours to suit your schedule.
- 5-Star rated with over 3000 reviews across Google & Facebook!
- Exclusive school & trust partnerships.
- Access to our FREE Perks Portal, where you’ll find exclusive access to a range of discounts – our very own version of the Blue Light Card
- Follow your progress pathway with access to 1000+ accredited, discounted CPD courses through Milk Academy!
- FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources, designed by real teachers.
- FREE Educator Wellbeing eBook and access to our wellbeing hub, featuring CPD courses and health & fitness modules!
- School Preparation Pack – be ready for your school placements!
- 24/7 support from your personal consultant, directly through their work mobile phone.
- Our Unbottled division brings lived-experience speakers into schools, covering stigmatised topics such as mental health, discrimination, and exploitation.
- Join the UK’s only eco-friendly education supply agency!
Click ‘Apply Now’ or get in touch with me for more information about this great opportunity.
Psychology Graduate Southend – Aspiring Educational / Clinical 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 Psychology Graduate Southend – Aspiring Educational / Clinical Psychologist in Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university alumni, join psychology groups on social media, and attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can connect you with someone in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to supporting vulnerable learners. Think about how your experiences align with the role of a Student Support Mentor and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on schools that resonate with your values. Check out our website for opportunities that match your passion for helping students with emotional and behavioural challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the position!
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology Graduate Southend – Aspiring Educational / Clinical 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 relevant experiences and skills that align with supporting vulnerable learners, as this will show us you're genuinely interested in the position.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for psychology and helping young people shine through in your application. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in students' lives, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your application is easy to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, so get straight to the good stuff about why you’re the right fit for this role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your psychology knowledge, especially around SEMH and trauma-informed practices. Being able to discuss relevant theories or case studies will show your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Show Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to connect with vulnerable learners. Share examples from your experience where you've supported someone emotionally or academically, highlighting your calm and empathetic approach.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to supporting students with additional needs. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity is key! Let your personality shine through during the interview. The school is looking for someone who can build trusting relationships, so being genuine will help them see how you fit into their team.