At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with emotional and behavioural needs in specialist SEMH schools.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on mental health and education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing training, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with small class sizes and experienced staff.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while gaining valuable experience for future careers in psychology and mental health.
- Qualifications: Degree in Psychology, Criminology, Education or related fields preferred.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 29910 £ per year.
Full-Time Term-Time Only Long-Term Roles £92-£105 per day Immediate / September Starts
Start your career in mental health, psychology and education while making a real difference. Are you looking to build a career supporting mental health, behaviour or young people? We are recruiting Mental Health Support Assistants to work across specialist SEMH schools in Bristol. These roles offer hands-on experience supporting young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs, making them an ideal first step into careers such as:
- Educational Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health Support / CAMHS
- Social Work or Youth Justice
- Teaching or SEN Education
This type of role is widely recognised as valuable experience for graduates looking to progress into psychology or mental health-related careers.
The Role
You will support pupils who experience social, emotional and mental health needs that impact their ability to engage in education. You'll be working both 1:1 and in small groups, focusing on:
- Supporting emotional regulation and wellbeing
- Building trust with pupils who may be disengaged
- Helping students develop coping strategies and resilience
- Supporting behaviour and engagement in learning
- Acting as a positive, consistent role model
Pupils may present behaviours that challenge - this role requires resilience, patience and a calm, professional approach, but offers highly rewarding outcomes.
Why This Role is Ideal for Graduates
This role gives you the opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting, which is highly valued in SEN and mental health careers. You will:
- Gain practical experience supporting mental health and behaviour
- Work alongside experienced SEN, pastoral and mental health staff
- Develop skills in emotional support, behaviour management and communication
- Build experience required for postgraduate courses and professional pathways
The School Environment
You will be working in specialist SEMH settings across Bristol that offer:
- Small class sizes and high staff support
- Structured routines and clear behaviour systems
- Strong focus on mental health, wellbeing and emotional development
- Supportive teams experienced in SEMH and trauma-informed practice
Who This Role Is Suitable For
We are looking for people who:
- Have a degree in Psychology, Criminology, Education or related fields
- Have an interest in mental health, behaviour or child development
- Are patient, resilient and emotionally intelligent
- Want to build a long-term career in this field
Experience working with young people (e.g. youth work, coaching, mentoring, care) is beneficial but not essential.
Training & Career Progression
This role provides a clear pathway into mental health and education careers:
- Training in behaviour management and de-escalation
- CPD in SEMH, safeguarding and trauma-informed practice
- Experience working with complex needs in specialist settings
Progression opportunities include:
- Behaviour Mentor roles
- Pastoral / wellbeing roles
- Teacher training pathways
- Further study in psychology or mental health
Many graduates use this type of role as a stepping stone into postgraduate training and professional careers in psychology and mental health.
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 staff and consultants
- Opportunity to move into permanent roles
Why Apply?
- Gain relevant experience for competitive psychology and mental health careers
- Work in a role where you can see real impact every day
- Develop specialist skills in behaviour and emotional support
- Be part of a supportive and structured SEMH school environment
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.
Mental Health Support Assistant (SEMH Schools) - Bristol employer: Teaching Personnel
Teaching Personnel is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and structured environment for Mental Health Support Assistants in Bristol. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from ongoing training, mentorship from experienced staff, and clear pathways into rewarding careers in mental health and education. The company fosters a culture of resilience and emotional intelligence, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Support Assistant (SEMH Schools) - 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 Mental Health Support Assistant (SEMH Schools) - 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.
