School Mental Health Teaching Assistant - Academics : Job Details

Looking to build a career in mental health, clinical psychology, social care, or education?

Psychology or Criminology Graduate - School Mental Health Teaching Assistant

Location: Bedford

Salary: £460-£500 per week

Contract: Full-Time | Long-Term | Monday-Friday, 08:30-15:30

Sector: Education and Training

If you're a recent Psychology or Criminology graduate with ambitions to work in mental health, youth support, or educational settings, this role could be your ideal next step. A specialist SEN school in Bedford is offering a fantastic opportunity to become a School Mental Health Teaching Assistant, where your work will directly influence the wellbeing and progress of vulnerable students in the education and training sector.

Why This Role Is a Game-Changer for Your Career

• Hands-on clinical exposure: Work directly with students affected by trauma, SEMH, ADHD, and communication needs alongside therapists and SEN specialists.
• Professional mentoring: Learn from experienced clinicians, SENCOs, and teaching staff who can support your development and guide you toward your next steps.
• Relevant experience for postgraduate courses: This role is highly regarded by training providers in educational psychology, clinical psychology, counselling, and social work.
• Long-term development: Use this role as a springboard into a permanent post in education, CAMHS, youth justice, or therapeutic services.

As a School Mental Health Teaching Assistant:

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to students with emotional and behavioural needs
• Help students develop coping strategies, emotional regulation, and resilience
• Work with internal teams and external agencies to deliver effective support plans
• Contribute to a trauma-informed, safe, and inclusive learning environment
• Support the Bedford school's commitment to mental health, equity, and positive behaviour

Who We're Looking For

• A graduate in Psychology, Criminology, or a related field
• Passionate about making a long-term impact in young people's lives
• A passion to develop a career as School Mental Health Teaching Assistant

Someone considering future careers in:

• Clinical or Educational Psychology
• Mental Health Support
• Youth or Family Social Work
• Counselling or Therapy
• Local to or able to commute to Bedford full-time

What You'll Gain

• Real-world experience aligned with therapeutic, clinical, and education sectors
• Regular training in areas like behaviour management, safeguarding, and SEN strategies
• Mentorship from experienced clinical and educational professionals
• The chance to build a strong portfolio for future job or course applications
• Long-term career routes into education and training, social care, or healthcare

How to Apply

If you're ready to take the first serious step in your mental health or education career-right here in Bedford-we want to hear from you.

Apply today to become a School Mental Health Teaching Assistant, and let this be the foundation for a career that truly changes lives-starting with your own.