Mental Health Assistant - Aspiring Psychologist - Reading

Academics; Old Warren; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Academics is seeking a Mental Health Assistant for an ASD specialist school in Reading, Berkshire. You will support children aged 4-11 with autism and related emotional/behavioural needs in a full-time role.

Collaborating with Therapists and Educational Psychologists, you will gain practical, therapeutic experience within a structured SEN environment and develop towards Assistant Psychologist or Assistant Therapist roles.

Qualifications

• Graduate in Psychology, Counselling, Criminology, or related field.
• Strong interest in autism and child development.
• Patient, resilient and emotionally intelligent.
• Willingness to learn and develop in SEN therapeutics.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with ASD and complex needs.
• Assist with emotional regulation, sensory needs, and behaviour support plans.
• Collaborate with Speech & Language Therapists, Educational Psychologists, and Occupational Therapists.
• Gain hands-on experience in therapeutic and SEN practice.

Skills

Psychology background

Emotional regulation

Behaviour support

Education

Level 3 qualification

Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field

Job description

Mental Health Assistant - ASD Specialist School - Reading

Are you a Psychology graduate looking to become an Assistant Psychologist or Assistant Therapist?

A specialist ASD school in Reading, Berkshire is seeking a full-time Mental Health Assistant to support children aged 4-11 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and social, emotional, and behavioural needs.

As a Mental Health Assistant, you will:

• Support pupils with ASD and complex needs
• Assist with emotional regulation, sensory needs, and behaviour support plans
• Work alongside Speech & Language Therapists, Educational Psychologists, and Occupational Therapists
• Gain hands‑on experience in therapeutic and SEN practice

This Mental Health Assistant role provides valuable experience for graduates aiming for Assistant Psychologist or Assistant Therapist careers. You'll learn therapeutic strategies and gain practical skills in a structured, nurturing ASD environment.

Who We're Looking For

The ideal Mental Health Assistant is:

• A graduate in Psychology, Counselling, Criminology, or a related field
• Passionate about autism, mental health, and child development
• Patient, resilient, and emotionally intelligent
• Interested in progressing towards Assistant Psychologist or Assistant Therapist roles

Experience with ASD, SEN, or mental health is desirable but not essential. Level 3 qualification required; degree highly desirable.

Job Details

Job Title: Mental Health Assistant

Location: Reading, Berkshire

Setting: ASD Specialist School

Start Date: ASAP

Pay: £90-£110 per day

Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-3:45pm

Contract: Full-time

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