Mental Health Support Worker (Secondary Schools)

Mental Health Support Worker – Sunderland Secondary Schools
Competitive Daily Rates, Long-Term, September 2026

Secondary schools are increasingly recognising the importance of dedicated mental health support for their students — and Teaching Personnel is recruiting a Mental Health Support Worker for schools across Sunderland from September 2026 to meet that need.

This is a role for someone with a genuine understanding of young people's mental health — how it presents in a school environment, how to build the kind of trusted relationships that make early intervention possible, and how to work sensitively alongside teaching and pastoral staff to ensure students get the right support at the right time.

What the role involves:

• Providing targeted mental health and emotional wellbeing support to students across KS3 and KS4
• Delivering structured 1:1 and small group sessions
• Working within individual support plans and contributing to their review
• Liaising with the SENCO, pastoral team, and external agencies where appropriate
• Supporting students through difficult periods with a calm, consistent presence
• Maintaining accurate records and upholding safeguarding responsibilities at all times

What we're looking for:

• Experience in a mental health, SEMH, youth work, or educational support role
• A warm, non-judgmental, and empathetic approach
• Understanding of how mental health presents in young people and how to respond effectively
• Confidence working within a school environment alongside teaching and pastoral staff
• A relevant qualification in mental health, counselling, or youth work is desirable
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service

What Teaching Personnel offers:

• Competitive daily rates reflecting your experience
• Weekly pay via PAYE
• Dedicated consultant support
• Free CPD and SEMH-focused training
• Opportunities for permanent employment

Contract: Long-term, Start: September 2026, Location: Sunderland secondary schools

Send your CV or call 0191 223 5071.

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.
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