Mental Health Assistant - Reading)

Academics; Reading; On-site; GBP 16,974 - 19,372; Full time

Job summary

Academics in Reading is seeking a Mental Health Assistant to support autistic children aged 4-16 within a therapeutic educational environment. The role focuses on promoting emotional wellbeing, social and communication skills, and a whole-child approach under a multidisciplinary team.

Ideal candidates are psychology graduates, passionate about helping vulnerable learners, empathetic and resilient, with a drive to pursue clinical or educational psychology.

Qualifications

• Graduate in Psychology or related subject.
• Aspiring Clinical/Educational Psychologist or Mental Health Practitioner.
• Passionate about supporting children with autism and additional needs.
• Patient, empathetic and emotionally resilient.
• Experience with children or vulnerable individuals is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support autistic pupils inside and outside the classroom.
• Promote emotional wellbeing and positive engagement.
• Help students develop social, communication and life skills.
• Support pupils with sensory needs and emotional regulation.
• Build strong relationships with pupils and collaborate with staff.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Patience

Emotional resilience

Education

Psychology degree

Related subject

Job description

Mental Health Assistant - Reading

92 - 105 per day Full-Time September Start

Are you a Psychology graduate looking to gain invaluable experience supporting children with additional needs before pursuing a career in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Mental Health, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy or Teaching?

This specialist setting is seeking a passionate and resilient Mental Health Assistant to support autistic children and young people aged 4-16 within a highly nurturing and therapeutic educational environment.

As a Mental Health Assistant, you will work closely with pupils who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as associated social, emotional and mental health needs, communication difficulties and sensory processing differences. The school prides itself on its personalised approach, small class sizes and strong therapeutic ethos, ensuring every student is supported to reach their full potential.

The successful Mental Health Assistant will become part of a multidisciplinary team, working alongside specialist teachers, therapists and pastoral staff to help students develop confidence, independence, emotional regulation and positive relationships. Embedded therapeutic support and a whole-child approach are central to the school's philosophy.

The Role

• Supporting autistic pupils both inside and outside the classroom
• Working as a Mental Health Assistant to promote emotional wellbeing and positive engagement
• Helping students develop social, communication and life skills
• Supporting pupils with sensory needs and emotional regulation
• Building strong, trusting relationships with young people
• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists and families

Ideal Candidate

• Psychology Graduate or graduate from a related subject
• Aspiring Clinical Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Therapist or Mental Health Practitioner
• Passionate about supporting children with autism and additional needs
• Patient, empathetic and emotionally resilient
• Previous experience working with children, young people or vulnerable individuals is desirable

Why This Opportunity

• Exceptional experience for aspiring psychologists
• Specialist autism setting with a strong therapeutic framework
• Work alongside experienced therapists and specialist educators
• Small class sizes and personalised support
• Fantastic training and development opportunities
• Gain experience supporting communication, behaviour, wellbeing and learning

This Mental Health Assistant role offers an outstanding foundation for graduates looking to build a career in psychology, mental health or specialist education. If you're looking for a rewarding and meaningful Mental Health Assistant position where you can make a genuine difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to become a Mental Health Assistant and take the next step towards a career supporting children and young people with additional needs.