At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in schools, helping them thrive emotionally and academically.
- Company: Protocol Education, dedicated to shaping futures in education.
- Benefits: Weekly pay, free training, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Flexible term-time roles with potential for permanent positions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while building your own career.
- Qualifications: Graduates in Psychology, Criminology, or Sociology with a passion for supporting youth.
Are you a Psychology, Criminology, or Sociology graduate looking to make a real difference in young people’s lives? Sunderland schools are seeking Mental Health Support Workers, Learning Support Assistants, and Pastoral Support Assistants to join their teams.
Why your background is a perfect fitYour studies have given you an understanding of behaviour, motivation, and wellbeing—skills schools urgently need. Whether it’s supporting pupils with additional needs, helping young people regulate emotions, or being a steady pastoral presence, your insight into human behaviour means you can connect with students in ways that really count.
Schools value graduates like you because:
- You understand mental health and behaviour beyond the surface.
- You can bring a calm, empathetic approach to challenging situations.
- You’re skilled at building trust and positive relationships.
- You’re motivated to see young people thrive, not just academically but personally.
Monday to Friday, term-time only – work that fits around school schedules.
Roles include 1:1 support, small-group interventions, and whole-class assistance.
Opportunities to support pupils with SEND, SEMH, behaviour needs, and pastoral care.
Working in schools is more than a job—it’s a chance to shape futures while building your own career path. Many of our graduates go on to teaching, social work, counselling, or educational psychology. You’ll gain:
Hands-on experience in education and child development.
Transferable skills in communication, behaviour management, and safeguarding.
The reward of seeing pupils gain confidence and resilience with your support.
Weekly pay through PAYE—no umbrella deductions.
FREE access to our online CPD Academy to boost your skills.
Dedicated local consultant support—real people who listen and match you to the right schools.
A wide range of opportunities in mainstream, SEND, and alternative settings.
Referral scheme—earn rewards for recommending friends.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance “Keeping Children Safe in Education”, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.
#J-18808-LjbffrPsychology, Criminology & Sociology Graduates in Sunderland employer: Protocol Education Ltd
At Protocol Education, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through hands-on experience and access to our online CPD Academy, while our commitment to safeguarding ensures a safe environment for both staff and students. With flexible term-time roles in Sunderland schools, you can build a rewarding career path while contributing to the development and wellbeing of future generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychology, Criminology & Sociology Graduates in Sunderland
✨Get Involved with Psychology Networks
Join local psychology groups or online forums to connect with professionals and get the inside scoop on temporary opportunities. Engaging in these communities can lead to recommendations that might not be advertised anywhere else!
✨Showcase Your Skills with Voluntary Work
Consider taking on voluntary roles in mental health charities or community programmes. This not only builds your experience but also helps you make valuable connections that could lead to temporary positions.
✨Keep Your Applications Customised and Fresh
Given the temporary nature of the roles, be super quick with your applications. Tailor your cover letter to highlight your adaptability and readiness for immediate start dates, and don't hesitate to apply through our website for the best chances!
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs or workshops specifically aimed at psychology students and graduates. These events are perfect for networking and discovering temporary roles directly with employers—plus you can often leave a lasting impression in-person!
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology, Criminology & Sociology Graduates in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Academic Background:In the psychology field, highlighting your academic achievements is crucial. Make sure your CV emphasises your relevant coursework, grades, and any special projects or research you've undertaken in psychology. We want to see how your studies have prepared you for the role at Protocol Education Ltd.
Tailor Your Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine. Focus on your passion for psychology and how this temporary role fits into your career goals. Discuss any relevant experiences or skills that make you a great fit for Psychology, Criminology & Sociology Graduates at Protocol Education Ltd and tie it back to your motivation for applying.
Mention Any Relevant Experience:Whether it’s internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs, relevant experience can set you apart. Highlight any practical applications of psychology you've been involved with, such as counselling, research assistance, or community outreach. It's all about demonstrating your hands-on understanding of the field!
Stay Flexible and Open-Minded:Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your adaptability in your cover letter. Let Protocol Education Ltd know that you're ready to jump in and learn, and that you can handle quick changes in tasks. We want to see how you'll thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd
✨Showcase Your Empathy Skills
In psychology, your ability to connect with others is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've demonstrated empathy and understanding in past roles or academic projects. Prepare a couple of real-life examples from your studies or any volunteer work that showcase your strength in this area.
✨Understand the Role’s Context
A temporary position in psychology may involve specific populations or clinical settings. Familiarise yourself with any special considerations or methodologies that apply to the context of the job at Protocol Education Ltd. This could include particular therapeutic approaches or assessment tools - knowing these can set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet and apply psychological principles in real-world scenarios. Practise how you would approach a hypothetical situation, perhaps dealing with a distressed client or assessing their needs. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities effectively.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Temporary roles often require us to adapt quickly to new environments and challenges. Be sure to emphasise your ability to step into various roles or tasks as needed. Share examples that show how you've thrived in changing situations or learned new skills rapidly.
