Mental Health Teaching Assistant

KPI RECRUITING LTD; London Borough of Hackney; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated SEN school in Hackney is seeking a passionate Mental Health Teaching Assistant to provide support for students facing emotional and behavioral challenges. Ideal candidates will have a graduate-level qualification in Psychology or related fields, along with experience in mental health support. This full-time role offers an immediate start and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.

Benefits

Full training and ongoing guidance

Supportive team environment

Opportunity to make a genuine impact

Qualifications

• Experience supporting young people with mental health, trauma, SEMH, or challenging behaviour is desirable.
• Genuine passion for improving young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with students.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for students with SEMH and mental health challenges.
• Support students with emotional regulation, anxiety, and wellbeing strategies.
• Implement individual support plans and behaviour intervention programmes.

Skills

Strong emotional intelligence

Empathy

Resilience

Calm under pressure

Confident in de-escalation approaches

Education

Graduate-level qualification in Psychology

Graduate-level qualification in Criminology

Graduate-level qualification in Social Sciences

Job description

Mental Health Teaching Assistant – Hackney, East London

Full-Time | Long-Term | Immediate Start | Up to £650 per week

Are you passionate about supporting young people with mental health needs, anxiety, trauma, or social/emotional difficulties (SEMH)? Do you have experience in youth work, mental health support, safeguarding, or SEN environments? Are you a graduate in Psychology, Criminology, Social Sciences, or a related field looking to build hands‑on experience in a school?

A welcoming and forward‑thinking SEN school in Hackney is seeking a dedicated Mental Health Teaching Assistant to support students with SEMH and additional learning needs.

The Role – Mental Health Teaching Assistant

You will work closely with the SENCO, teachers, and therapists to support pupils who present with a range of emotional and behavioural needs. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small‑group support for students with SEMH and mental health challenges
• Supporting students with emotional regulation, anxiety, and wellbeing strategies
• Implementing individual support plans and behaviour intervention programmes
• Helping students manage triggers, build coping skills, and improve confidence
• Assisting with academic tasks, social development, and classroom routines
• Creating a calm, safe, and supportive learning environment
• Working collaboratively with staff, safeguarding leads, and external agencies

Person Specification

• Graduate‑level qualification in Psychology, Criminology, Social Sciences, Counselling, Education, or related fields
• Experience supporting young people with mental health, trauma, SEMH, or challenging behaviour (desirable)
• Strong emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and build trusted relationships
• Confident using de‑escalation and restorative approaches
• A genuine passion for improving young people’s mental health and wellbeing
• Must have the right to work in the UK

Why This Role?

• Gain highly relevant experience for careers in mental health, therapy, counselling, social work, or educational psychology
• Support vulnerable young people and make a genuine impact
• Work with a supportive team in a dynamic SEN setting in Hackney
• Full training and ongoing guidance provided

If you’re ready to support students’ emotional wellbeing and build your career as a Mental Health Teaching Assistant, apply today to join this inspiring school in Hackney.