Mental Health Teaching Assistant - Psychology Graduate - Milton KeynesEducation and Training | Long-Term Opportunity | SEMH Support Role

Are you a Psychology Graduate or aspiring mental health professional looking to gain practical experience in education? Do you have a strong interest in social justice, youth work, or SEN and want to make a real difference in the lives of young people?

Position: Mental Health Teaching AssistantLocation: Milton KeynesStart Date: ASAP or SeptemberSalary: £450-£525 per weekContract: Long-term, full-time (Monday to Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm, early finish on Fridays)

About the Role

This Mental Health Teaching Assistant role is ideal for graduates seeking hands-on experience in a specialist educational setting. Whether you're aiming for a future career in counselling, mental health, social work, or the criminal justice system, this role will provide valuable exposure to a range of student needs.

You will support students aged 11-19 within an Alternative Provision setting in Milton Keynes, working with small groups (3-6 pupils per class) and often on a 1:1 basis. The provision offers a restorative and therapeutic approach to education and behaviour, focusing on developing key life skills alongside academic support.

Key Responsibilities

• Support students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in both academic and therapeutic activities
• Build positive relationships to foster trust, safety, and emotional regulation
• Encourage engagement through both curriculum and enrichment activities
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and other professionals to deliver holistic support

Ideal Candidate

• A recent Psychology or Criminology Graduate, or someone with relevant experience in SEN or youth work
• Has a genuine interest in supporting mental health and behaviour in young people
• Holds strong GCSE grades (Grade 5 or above in English and Maths preferred)
• Open to exploring how mental health, trauma, and autism present differently in boys and girls
• Has interests beyond traditional academics-such as sport, dance, photography, cooking, or coding-helping to engage students in practical learning

Why This Role?

This is more than just a classroom-based role. It's a unique opportunity to observe how education and mental health intersect, particularly in young people navigating emotional challenges. The experience you'll gain is highly relevant to careers in:

• Youth Justice and Advocacy
• Social and Family Support Services
• Educational Psychology and SEN Teaching
• Parole and Probation Work

If you're passionate about inclusion, education, and mental health-and want to develop your understanding in a supportive, structured setting-this Mental Health Teaching Assistant role in Milton Keynes could be your ideal next step.