Graduate Mental Health Teaching Assistant - SEMH School

Pertemps Education Network; Crawley; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on experience

CPD and training

Career development opportunities

Supportive school environment

Job summary

Pertemps Education Network in Crawley is seeking a Mental Health Teaching Assistant to support pupils with SEMH needs. This role suits Psychology or Criminology graduates who want hands-on experience in a restorative, trauma-informed environment.

You will build trusting relationships, support social and emotional development, and work with teachers and therapists on SEMH interventions. The position is full-time, term-time only, Monday to Friday 8:30am–4:00pm, with start ASAP.

Qualifications

• Graduate in Psychology or Criminology.
• Interest in mental health and trauma-informed practice.
• Eligible to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with students at risk of exclusion.
• Support social, emotional, and mental health development.
• Deliver SEMH-focused interventions with teachers and therapists.
• Provide consistency and emotional safety for students with trauma.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Relationship-building

Resilience

Willing to learn

Training provided

Education

Psychology degree or Criminology degree

Job description

• Location: Crawley


• Contract: Full-time, term-time only


• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:00pm


• Start Date: ASAP


• Pay: £88–£115 per day

Are you a Psychology or Criminology graduate looking to gain meaningful, hands‑on experience supporting young people with SEN / SEMH needs? Do you have a genuine interest in mental health, emotional wellbeing, and trauma‑informed practice, and are considering a future career in Educational or Clinical Psychology?

About the School

A small specialist school near Crawley is seeking a motivated Mental Health Teaching Assistant to join their dedicated SEMH team. The school supports pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and associated challenging behaviours. Many students may be disengaged from education or at risk of exclusion, so building trust, consistency, and positive relationships is at the heart of the role.

This is an excellent opportunity for Psychology or Criminology graduates to gain first‑hand experience in a restorative, trauma‑informed environment, and develop key skills relevant to careers in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, youth justice or therapeutic practice.

Your Role

As Mental Health Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Build positive, trusting relationships with students who are disengaged or at risk of exclusion


• Support social, emotional, and mental health development


• Encourage engagement, confidence, and resilience in learning


• Work alongside teachers and therapists to deliver SEMH‑focused interventions


• Provide consistency and emotional safety for students with trauma or adverse childhood experiences


• Model empathy, restorative approaches, and positive behaviour supportThis role offers valuable exposure to SEMH practice, therapeutic approaches, and intervention strategies, providing strong preparation for further training in psychology or education‑based careers.

Person Specification – Mental Health Teaching Assistant

• Passionate about supporting young people with SEMH needs


• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills


• Calm, empathetic, resilient, and able to remain composed in challenging situations


• Motivated, professional, and eager to learn


• No prior experience required – full training and CPD provided

What We Offer

• Real, hands‑on experience supporting vulnerable and disengaged learners


• Training in restorative practice and trauma‑informed approaches


• CPD, mentoring, and career development opportunities


• Clear progression pathways into psychology, therapy, or SEN‑focused roles


• A supportive, close‑knit school environment where you can make a real impact

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK