Mental Health Support Assistant (SEMH Schools) – Bristol
Full-Time | Term-Time Only | Long-Term Roles£92-£105 per day | Immediate / September Starts
Start your career in mental health, psychology and education while making a real difference
Are you looking to build a career supporting mental health, behaviour or young people?
We are recruiting Mental Health Support Assistants to work across specialist SEMH schools in Bristol. These roles offer hands‑on experience supporting young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs, making them an ideal first step into careers such as:
- Educational Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health Support / CAMHS
- Social Work or Youth Justice
- Teaching or SEN Education
This type of role is widely recognised as valuable experience for graduates looking to progress into psychology or mental health‑related careers.
The Role
You will support pupils who experience social, emotional and mental health needs that impact their ability to engage in education.
You’ll be working both 1:1 and in small groups, focusing on:
- Supporting emotional regulation and wellbeing
- Building trust with pupils who may be disengaged
- Helping students develop coping strategies and resilience
- Supporting behaviour and engagement in learning
- Acting as a positive, consistent role model
Pupils may present behaviours that challenge — this role requires resilience, patience and a calm, professional approach, but offers highly rewarding outcomes.
Why This Role is Ideal for Graduates
This role gives you the opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a real‑world setting, which is highly valued in SEN and mental health careers.
You will:
- Gain practical experience supporting mental health and behaviour
- Work alongside experienced SEN, pastoral and mental health staff
- Develop skills in emotional support, behaviour management and communication
- Build experience required for postgraduate courses and professional pathways
The School Environment
You will be working in specialist SEMH settings across Bristol that offer:
- Small class sizes and high staff support
- Structured routines and clear behaviour systems
- Strong focus on mental health, wellbeing and emotional development
- Supportive teams experienced in SEMH and trauma‑informed practice
Who This Role Is Suitable For
We are looking for people who:
- Have a degree in Psychology, Criminology, Education or related fields
- Have an interest in mental health, behaviour or child development
- Are patient, resilient and emotionally intelligent
- Want to build a long‑term career in this field
Experience working with young people (e.g. youth work, coaching, mentoring, care) is beneficial but not essential.
Training & Career Progression
This role provides a clear pathway into mental health and education careers:
- Training in behaviour management and de‑escalation
- CPD in SEMH, safeguarding and trauma‑informed practice
- Experience working with complex needs in specialist settings
Progression opportunities include:
- Behaviour Mentor roles
- Pastoral / wellbeing roles
- Teacher training pathways
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