At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEMH needs using non-verbal and sensory strategies.
- Company: Milk Education, dedicated to transforming lives through education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full training provided, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: No school experience needed; your enthusiasm and potential are what matter most.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in clinical psychology and occupational therapy while supporting young people.
- Qualifications: Psychology graduate or related field; passion for non-verbal communication and sensory processing.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Hillingdon, Greater London
Start Date: 7th September 2026
Pay: £108 per day | Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-3:30pm | Contract: Full-time, Term Time Only
Are you a Psychology graduate with your sights set on Clinical Psychology or Occupational Therapy? Do you want to understand how non-verbal communication, sensory regulation, and trauma-informed practice can transform the lives of young people who have been failed by mainstream education?
We are recruiting Learning Support Assistants for a specialist provision in Hillingdon, supporting students with SEMH needs, emotionally based school avoidance, and complex trauma. This is not a typical LSA role - it is a hands-on opportunity to work at the intersection of clinical psychology, occupational therapy, and non-verbal intervention.
The Role - Non-Verbal & Sensory Focus
You will support students aged 5-16 who present with:
- Anxiety, depression, and school avoidance
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Trauma-related communication barriers
- Autism and social interaction challenges
Your work will be grounded in non-verbal and sensory approaches, including:
- Delivering sensory regulation activities (movement breaks, deep pressure, fidget tools)
- Using visual supports (timetables, emotion cards, now/next boards)
- Implementing non-verbal communication strategies (gesture, PECS, Makaton)
- Supporting fine and gross motor skills development (OT-informed activities)
- Building trust through consistent, calm, and predictable interactions
- Collaborating with Clinical Psychologists, OTs, and Speech Therapists in Hillingdon
Why This Role is Ideal for Aspiring Clinical Psychologists & OTs
You will gain direct experience in:
- Non-verbal communication as a tool for engagement and regulation
- Sensory integration and its impact on behaviour and learning
- Trauma-informed, person-centred practice in a real-world setting
- Observing and supporting therapeutic interventions led by qualified clinicians
- Understanding the link between emotional dysregulation and physical/sensory needs
- Multi-agency working with Hillingdon-based health and community services
This role offers a rare opportunity to see how Clinical Psychology and Occupational Therapy overlap in practice - bridging mental health, sensory needs, and education.
What You'll Be Doing
- 1:1 and small-group support using non-verbal and sensory resources
- Implementing sensory diets and regulation strategies under OT guidance
- Using assistive communication tools to support expressive language
- Monitoring and recording student progress for clinical feedback
- Supporting students to re-engage with learning through trust and consistency
- Engaging with the local Hillingdon community to build real-world confidence
What We're Looking For
- Psychology graduate (or related field) with interest in Clinical Psychology or OT
- Genuine curiosity about non-verbal communication and sensory processing
- Patient, emotionally intelligent, and resilient
- Willingness to learn PECS, Makaton, and sensory regulation (training provided)
- Commitment to supporting the Hillingdon community
- No school experience required - your passion and potential matter most.
Milk Education is committed to safeguarding. All applicants undergo thorough compliance checks in line with DfE and APSCo guidelines. Full CPD training on non-verbal tools, sensory integration, and trauma-informed practice is provided.
Aspiring Clinical Psychologist or Occupational Therapist – Non-Verbal Intervention – Learning Suppor in Uxbridge 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 Aspiring Clinical Psychologist or Occupational Therapist – Non-Verbal Intervention – Learning Suppor in Uxbridge
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Aspiring Clinical Psychologist or Occupational Therapist – Non-Verbal Intervention – Learning Suppor at Milk Education, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Clinical Psychologist or Occupational Therapist – Non-Verbal Intervention – Learning Suppor in Uxbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at Milk Education connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with Milk Education, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and Milk Education will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows Milk Education that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
