Aspiring Psychologist - Mental Health Support Worker

Academics; Reading; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Academics in Reading is seeking an Aspiring Psychologist - Mental Health Support Worker to support students in a specialist school setting. The role focuses on engagement, practical support, and tailored interventions.

You’ll help with speech and language programmes, emotional regulation strategies, and social communication. ASAP Start, full-time, term-time only, £90–£100 per day, with small class sizes and hands-on experience that builds a real foundation for future psychology careers.

Qualifications

• Curious, proactive and eager to learn.
• Patience, empathy and ability to connect with young people.
• Calm, positive attitude under challenging circumstances.
• Bonus: experience with Autism or SEN.

Responsibilities

• Supporting students in the classroom—helping them stay engaged, focused and confident.
• Providing hands-on, practical support tailored to each student's needs.
• Assisting with interventions (speech & language programmes, emotional regulation strategies, routines).
• Helping students navigate social situations and build communication skills.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Communication with young people

Calm under pressure

Job description

Aspiring Psychologist - Mental Health Support Worker

If you're dreaming of becoming a Clinical, Educational, or Child Psychologist, this is your chance to get stuck in, build real experience, and make a genuine difference-every single day.

We're on the lookout for an Aspiring Psychologist - Mental Health Support Worker to join a fantastic specialist school in Reading. The students here have a primary diagnosis of Autism, alongside co-existing needs like mental health challenges, speech and language difficulties, and emotional/behavioural regulation.

In short? They need someone like you. Someone who is passionate and interested in making a difference.

The role:

• Supporting students in the classroom-helping them stay engaged, focused, and confident
• Providing hands-on, practical support tailored to each student's individual needs
• Assisting with interventions (think speech & language programmes, emotional regulation strategies, and structured routines)
• Helping students navigate social situations and build communication skills
• Being a consistent, encouraging presence in their school day

Why This Role is a Game-Changer for Aspiring Psychologists

This isn't shadowing. This isn't observing. This is real experience.

You'll:

• Work closely with students with Autism and complex needs
• See psychological theories play out in real life (and learn what actually works!)
• Gain invaluable experience for careers in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Speech & Language Therapy, or Mental Health Services
• Build confidence, resilience, and seriously impressive skills

What We're Looking For

• Someone curious, proactive, and ready to learn
• Patience, empathy, and the ability to connect with young people
• A calm, positive attitude-even when things get challenging
• Bonus points if you've got experience with Autism or SEN (but not essential!)

The Best Bits

• Every day is different-expect small wins, big breakthroughs, and plenty of proud moments
• Work alongside a supportive team who genuinely care
• Make a real, visible difference in young people's lives
• Walk away with experience that actually sets you apart

• Specialist School in Reading
• ASAP Start
• £90 - £100 per day
• Full Time
• Small class sizes
• Amazing hands on experience
• Term Time Only

Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy