Psychology Graduate Role - Special Needs Support

Psychology Graduate Role - Special Needs Support 

Roles available in Salford, Bolton & Bury
£90+ per day | Term-Time Only | Full-time and Ad Hoc Placements | Start ASAP (post-registration)

Put your psychology degree into practice and gain invaluable hands-on experience working with children and young people with additional needs.

Teaching Personnel is partnering with specialist SEND schools across Salford, Bolton, and Bury to recruit Psychology Graduates ready to move beyond theory and develop practical skills in real educational environments.

This role offers an exceptional opportunity to deepen your understanding of developmental psychology, neurodiversity, behaviour management, and communication strategies — working directly with young people aged 4–19 who have Autism Spectrum Condition, Severe Learning Difficulties, ADHD, and other additional needs.

You’ll be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team, applying psychological concepts in ways that genuinely impact children’s learning, emotional wellbeing, and social development.

Who will you be supporting?

Students who present with a range of complex needs including:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

• Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD)

• ADHD, sensory processing differences, communication challenges, and behaviour that may challenge

These students have unique profiles that demand creativity, patience, and informed support—perfect for psychology graduates wanting to translate theory into practice.

What will you be doing?

This is a hands-on role designed to bridge your academic knowledge with practical application. Typical responsibilities include:

• Supporting structured and unstructured transitions using evidence-based approaches

• Facilitating communication using tools such as Makaton, PECS, and visual supports

• Delivering 1:1 or small group interventions aligned with EHCP targets—applying developmental, behavioural, and sensory integration theories

• Observing and recording behaviour and engagement, contributing to multi-disciplinary team discussions

• Using de-escalation and emotional regulation strategies grounded in psychological research

• Collaborating closely with teachers, therapists, and families to tailor support and measure progress

You will receive ongoing specialist training and mentorship, enabling you to hone your skills and build a robust portfolio of applied experience.

Who is this role ideal for?

This opportunity is ideal if you:

• Hold a degree in psychology and are seeking practical experience in SEND or educational settings

• Want to apply developmental and clinical psychology concepts in a real-world context

• Are interested in neurodiversity, child development, behaviour analysis, or educational psychology

• Are patient, observant, and passionate about making a measurable difference in young people’s lives

• Are considering further study or a career in clinical, educational, or counselling psychology, therapy, or social care

Potential Career Paths

Gaining hands-on experience as a Special Needs Support Assistant can open doors to a variety of career opportunities, including but not limited to:

• Pursuing postgraduate training to become a Clinical Psychologist or Educational Psychologist

• Working as a Speech and Language Therapist or Occupational Therapist specialising in SEND

• Developing a career in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or counselling

• Progressing into teaching, particularly specialist education roles or SEND coordination

• Building expertise in behavioural support, youth mentoring, or social care services

• Entering research roles focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders and inclusion strategies

This role offers a strong foundation in both practical skills and professional networks that will support these pathways.

What Teaching Personnel offers you:

• Competitive daily pay (£90+), paid weekly

• Specialist training in Autism Awareness, Team Teach, Safeguarding, and more—tailored to your psychology background

• Dedicated consultant support to help match you with schools suited to your development goals

• Flexible placements—full-time, part-time, long-term, or ad hoc

• A valuable stepping stone to graduate roles or postgraduate training in psychology, therapy, education, or social care

Apply Now

Submit your CV and a member of our team will be in touch for an informal discussion about your experience, aspirations, and how this role can support your career pathway.

If you’re ready to move from classroom theory to meaningful, hands-on experience, this role offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to grow professionally while making a real difference.

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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