Graduate Mental Health Support Assistant

Graduate Mental Health Specialist Teaching Assistant – Psychology, Sociology & Criminology Graduates (SEMH & SEN Support)
Roles available within specialist Social, Emotional, Mental Health setting including Alternative provisions, PRUS, secure units and mental health care settings across Bolton, Salford, Wigan & Warrington | Full-Time & Part-Time | Competitive Pay

Are you a psychology, sociology, or criminology graduate passionate about supporting young people facing barriers to education?

Whether you're aiming for a future in educational or clinical psychology, youth work, social care, or the criminal justice sector, this is a unique opportunity to gain essential frontline experience working with young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Special Educational Needs (SEN).

About the Role:
As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in specialist settings designed to support students who may have diagnoses such as ASD, ADHD, or trauma-related behaviours. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to help students regulate emotions, develop communication, and re-engage with learning.

• Building trusting relationships with young people who may have experienced adversity or exclusion.

• Assisting teaching staff in adapting materials and delivering creative, therapeutic learning activities.

Why This Role is Ideal for Psychology/Sociology/Criminology Graduates:

• Gain practical experience supporting children and adolescents with complex needs — ideal for those pursuing postgraduate study or careers in mental health, counselling, social work, or youth justice.

• Understand behavioural triggers and interventions in real-world educational settings.

• Build your confidence and skills in trauma-informed practice, de-escalation techniques, and child development.

What We Offer:

• Bespoke placements based on your academic background and long-term career goals.

• Ongoing CPD and training in areas such as safeguarding, behaviour management, and mental health.

• Pathways into permanent roles, teacher training, or specialist support services.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Graduates in psychology, sociology, criminology, or a related field.

• Emotionally intelligent individuals with resilience, patience, and a passion for social impact.

• People interested in careers where understanding human behaviour and systemic challenges is key.

Take the next step in your career and make a lasting impact.
Apply now to join Teaching Personnel’s SEN & SEMH Support Team – and start shaping futures today.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.