At a Glance
- Tasks: Use your creativity to support young people with mental health needs in engaging ways.
- Company: Join a supportive team in specialist SEMH schools across Bristol.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing training, and opportunities for permanent roles.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with strong career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference in young people's lives while developing your creative skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in a creative subject and interest in mental health and youth support.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33483 £ per year.
Full-Time Term-Time Only Long-Term Roles £92-£105 per day Immediate / September Starts
Use your creativity to support young people with mental health needs: Are you a creative graduate (Art, Music, Drama, Dance, Media or similar) looking to build a career working with young people and mental health? We are recruiting Creative Arts Graduates to support pupils across specialist SEMH schools in Bristol. This role offers the opportunity to use your creativity to engage students who may struggle with traditional learning, helping them develop confidence, communication and emotional regulation.
This is an excellent first step for graduates considering careers in:
- Art / Music Therapy
- Educational or Clinical Psychology
- Youth Work or Social Care
- Teaching or SEN Education
- Mental Health Support
The Role
You will work with pupils who experience social, emotional and mental health needs, often impacting their behaviour and engagement in school. Using a mix of creativity, structure and consistency, you will:
- Support pupils 1:1 and in small groups
- Use creative approaches to engage and motivate learners
- Help students express emotions through music, art, movement or drama
- Support behaviour, emotional regulation and communication
- Build strong, positive relationships with pupils
Some pupils may present behaviours that challenge - this role requires patience, resilience and confidence, balanced with creativity and adaptability.
Why Creative Graduates Are Highly Suited
Creative backgrounds are particularly valuable in SEMH settings, as they help:
- Build connections with students who struggle in traditional classroom environments
- Provide alternative ways to communicate and express emotions
- Engage pupils who are disengaged or resistant to standard teaching methods
- Support confidence, identity and self-expression
Your creativity becomes a tool for behaviour and mental health support, not just an add-on.
The School Environment
You will be working in specialist SEMH schools across Bristol that offer:
- Small class sizes and strong staff support
- Structured routines and clear behaviour systems
- A strong focus on wellbeing, engagement and relationships
- Supportive, experienced teams and ongoing training
Who This Role Is Ideal For
We are looking for graduates who:
- Have a degree in a creative subject (Art, Music, Drama, Dance, Media, etc.)
- Are interested in mental health, behaviour and working with young people
- Are confident, proactive and able to build relationships
- Are resilient and comfortable working in dynamic environments
Experience working with young people (e.g. coaching, tutoring, mentoring, youth work) is beneficial but not essential.
Training & Career Progression
This role offers a strong foundation for long-term careers:
- Training in SEMH, behaviour management and safeguarding
- Opportunities to develop creative approaches to support
- Progression into:
- Behaviour Mentor roles
- Pastoral / wellbeing support
- Therapy or psychology-related pathways
- Teacher training routes
What You Will Receive
- Weekly PAYE pay (no umbrella deductions)
- Long-term, stable role (not day-to-day supply)
- Ongoing training and development
- Support from experienced school staff and consultants
- Opportunities for permanent roles
Why Apply?
- Use your creative skills in a meaningful, impactful setting
- Build experience in mental health and behaviour support
- Work in a role where no two days are the same
- Make a genuine difference to young people's lives
Apply now to be considered for long-term roles across SEMH schools in Bristol. Interviews and trial days available. All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ's on the Teaching Personnel website for 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. Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with 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 all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.
Creative Arts Graduate - Mental Health Support (Bristol) employer: Teaching Personnel
Teaching Personnel is an exceptional employer, offering Creative Arts Graduates the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with mental health needs in Bristol. With a strong focus on employee development, ongoing training, and a supportive work culture, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that values creativity and resilience. This role not only provides a stable foundation for your career but also allows you to engage in rewarding work that truly makes a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Creative Arts Graduate - Mental Health Support (Bristol)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Teaching Personnel.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Teaching Personnel!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Teaching Personnel, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Teaching Personnel or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Creative Arts Graduate - Mental Health Support (Bristol)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Teaching Personnel:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Teaching Personnel! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
