Psychology Graduate - Mental Health Support Assistant

Academics; Reading; On-site; GBP 16,605 - 20,295; Full time

Job summary

Academics seeks a Psychology Graduate to join a specialist school in Reading as a Mental Health Assistant, supporting students with SEMH needs. You will work 1:1 and in small groups to help them feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

Daily duties include managing emotions, building trusted relationships, and collaborating with teachers, therapists and pastoral teams to provide consistent support. This hands-on role offers valuable experience for a future career in psychology and mental health.

Qualifications

• Passion for mental health and supporting young people.
• Patient, empathetic and positive.
• Ready to learn and grow every day.
• Strong team player with safeguarding understanding.

Responsibilities

• Work 1:1 with students to help them feel safe and ready to learn.
• Support students in small groups and with classroom activities.
• Build trusted relationships to provide stability and confidence.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists and pastoral teams for consistent support.
• Be a calm, encouraging presence on difficult days.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Teamwork

Safeguarding awareness

Education

Psychology degree

Job description

Psychology Graduate - Mental Health Assistant

We're searching for a Mental Health Assistant to join a specialist school in Reading, supporting students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. These young people are bright, resilient, and full of potential - but many have faced significant challenges in their lives and need the right support to help them succeed.

No two days are the same in this role. It's fast-paced, rewarding, emotional, and genuinely life-changing - for both the students and for you.

What You'll Be Doing

You will work closely with students on a 1:1 basis and in small groups, helping them feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

• Helping students manage emotions and develop healthy coping strategies
• Building trusted relationships that give students confidence and stability
• Supporting social development and modelling positive behaviours
• Working alongside teachers, therapists, and pastoral teams to provide consistent support
• Being the calm, encouraging presence students can rely on - especially on difficult days

What We're Looking For

You don't need to know everything already - but you do need the right mindset.

• Passionate about mental health and supporting young people
• Patient, empathetic and positive
• Ready to learn and grow every day
• A strong team player with a good understanding of safeguarding

The Details

• Specialist school based in Reading
• ASAP Start – September start available too!
• £90 – £110 per day
• Full time
• Ideal for psychology graduates
• Incredible hands on experience for future career in psychology and mental health