Psychology Graduate Mental Health Assistant - Academics : Job Details

Are you a Psychology or Criminology graduate in and around Bedford eager to build a meaningful career in mental health, clinical practice, or the education and training sector? This Psychology Graduate Mental Health Assistant role offers you the perfect launchpad to gain invaluable hands-on experience supporting students with complex needs - all while setting you on a clear career pathway toward clinical roles such as Assistant Psychologist, Clinical Practitioner, or Therapist.

Psychology Graduate Mental Health Assistant - Pathway to Clinical Careers

Location: Bedford

Contract: Full-Time | Long-Term

Start Date: September 2025

Salary: £460-£500 per week

Sector: Mental Health, Clinical Development, Education and Training

Your Role: Psychology Graduate Mental Health Assistant

Based in a respected Special Educational Needs (SEN) school in Bedford, you will work closely with children facing Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges, Autism, and behavioural difficulties. Supported by a dedicated clinical and therapeutic team, your responsibilities will include:

• Delivering personalised 1:1 and small group interventions
• Applying therapeutic techniques to support emotional regulation
• Collaborating with educational psychologists, counsellors, and therapists
• Supporting students' academic and personal growth
• Building trusting relationships that empower students to thrive

Clear Career Progression as a Psychology Graduate Mental Health Assistant

This position is more than just a job - it's a structured stepping stone designed to advance your career in fields such as:

• Clinical or Educational Psychology
• Occupational Therapy or Speech and Language Therapy
• Specialist Teaching and SEN Education
• Mental Health Support and Youth Intervention

You'll benefit from ongoing professional development, targeted internal education and training, and opportunities to progress into roles like Assistant Psychologist or funded postgraduate study. Many of our graduates have successfully transitioned into permanent clinical roles within our multi-disciplinary Bedford team.

Who We're Looking For

• Final-year or recent graduates in Psychology, Criminology, or related disciplines
• Passionate about mental health, neurodiversity, and supporting young people
• Committed to a minimum 12-month position to ensure consistent care
• Experience working with children or young people is a plus, but not essential
• Motivated, emotionally intelligent, and resilient

Why Join Us?

• Gain essential clinical experience before pursuing postgraduate qualifications
• Receive mentorship from experienced professionals in education and therapy
• Thrive in a setting that values your personal development as much as your students'
• Make a real, positive impact on children with SEMH needs
• Join a supportive, trauma-informed care team focused on innovation and growth

If you're a Psychology or Criminology graduate ready to launch your career as a Psychology Graduate Mental Health Assistant, this role in Bedford offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills and build a rewarding clinical career.