SEND Specialist Support Assistant - Psychology Graduate

Envision Education; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free CPD courses

Long-term placements available

Job summary

Envision Education is seeking a Psychology Graduate for an SEND Specialist Support Assistant role in a Maidenhead school. You will support children aged 2‑19 with SEND, providing therapeutic and emotional support while developing counselling-related skills.

The role offers practical experience in mental health, trauma, and attachment work within a specialist therapeutic school setting, with ongoing training and a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Degree in Psychology or a related subject.
• Genuine interest in mental health and child development.
• Interest in working with children and young people with SEND.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one therapeutic support to identified pupils.
• Support students with self-esteem, body image and healthy relationships.
• Co-facilitate weekly student counselling groups alongside an experienced counsellor.
• Support pupils with their emotional wellbeing and mental health.
• Help pupils develop confidence, resilience and positive coping strategies.
• Help pupils experiencing anxiety, depression and other mental health difficulties.
• Gaining experience in CAMHS referrals, risk assessments and Boxall Profiles.
• Work alongside counsellors, teachers and other professionals to support pupils' needs.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Psychology degree

Job description

SEND Specialist Support Assistant - Psychology Graduate - Maidenhead

Full-Time | Monday to Friday | Specialist SEND School | Therapeutic Support

Are you a Psychology Graduate looking to gain valuable first‑hand experience working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?

Are you interested in developing your experience within mental health, counselling, psychotherapy or educational psychology?

Envision Education is currently recruiting an ambitious and enthusiastic SEND Specialist Support Assistant to work within a specialist therapeutic school setting in Maidenhead, supporting children and young people aged 2-19 with additional needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Psychology Graduate looking to gain practical experience within a school environment while developing their understanding of complex mental health needs, trauma, emotional wellbeing and therapeutic interventions.

You will work closely with experienced professionals, including counsellors and school staff, and have the opportunity to develop your counselling and therapeutic support skills through practical, hands‑on experience.

The school is looking for someone who is passionate about supporting young people, has a genuine interest in mental health and is keen to make a positive difference to the lives of pupils with complex needs.

The Role

As an SEND Specialist Support Assistant, you will work closely with pupils who may have experienced trauma, attachment difficulties, neglect and a range of additional needs.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Providing one-to-one therapeutic support to identified pupils.
• Supporting students with self-esteem, body image and healthy relationships.
• Co-facilitating weekly student counselling groups alongside an experienced counsellor.
• Supporting pupils with their emotional wellbeing and mental health.
• Helping pupils develop confidence, resilience and positive coping strategies.
• Supporting students experiencing anxiety, depression and other mental health difficulties.
• Helping pupils experiencing school avoidance and anxiety to reintegrate into education.
• Supporting pupils with ASD, ADHD and other complex additional needs.
• Developing an understanding of therapeutic approaches when working with pupils who have experienced trauma, attachment difficulties or neglect.
• Supporting the delivery of staff training on mental health topics, including self-harm, body dysphoria and anxiety.
• Gaining experience in completing CAMHS referrals, risk assessments and Boxall Profiles.
• Working alongside counsellors, teachers and other professionals to support pupils' individual needs.
• Helping create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where pupils feel understood and valued.

What We're Looking For

• A degree in Psychology or a relevant subject.
• A genuine interest in mental health, counselling, psychotherapy or child development.
• An interest in working with children and young people with SEND.
• A caring, patient and empathetic approach.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Strong literacy and numeracy skills.
• Confident using ICT and computer systems.
• The ability to build positive and professional relationships with young people.
• A willingness to learn and develop within a specialist therapeutic environment.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a wider team.
• A professional and reliable attitude.

Previous experience working with children, young people or vulnerable individuals would be advantageous.

Candidates with experience in mental health support, counselling, youth work, support work, care, residential settings or other relevant environments are encouraged to apply.

Working Hours

Monday and Tuesday: 8:45am - 4:30pm

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 8:45am - 3:15pm

Location: Maidenhead

Age Range: 2-19 years

School Type: Specialist SEND School

Why Register with Envision Education?

• Specialists in securing long‑term and permanent placements for Teachers and support staff.
• Access to opportunities across primary, secondary and SEND schools.
• Opportunities for Psychology Graduates looking to develop a career within education and mental health.
• Roles matched to your preferred location, school type, working hours and pay expectations.
• A dedicated consultant supporting you throughout your placement.
• Quick and efficient registration process.
• Friendly and supportive consultants.
• Excellent track record in securing work for education professionals.
• Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Google.
• Free CPD courses worth £144.50 once cleared to work.
• Opportunities for both temporary and permanent positions.
• Ongoing support throughout your placement.

An Excellent Opportunity for Psychology Graduates!

This role offers invaluable practical experience for anyone considering a future career in Psychology, Educational Psychology, Psychotherapy, Counselling or Mental Health Support.

You will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, develop your understanding of complex mental health needs and gain first‑hand experience supporting children and young people within a specialist school environment.

If you are a Psychology Graduate who is passionate about mental health, child development and supporting young people with additional needs, we would love to hear from you!

Pay rate is dependent on qualifications, experience and skills.

Envision Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Envision Education is also committed to following a policy of equal opportunities.

We respect and value cultural and religious diversity and will not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, religion, race, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, culture or disability.

You must be a UK resident or hold a full UK visa and be willing to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.