Full-Time | Term-Time Only | Immediate Start Available
Ideal for Psychology, Counselling and Wellbeing Graduates or Support Staff
Working in SEN schools
We are seeking compassionate, motivated individuals with an interest or background in psychology, counselling, wellbeing, mental health support or youth development to join schools across Bristol as Psychology & Wellbeing Support Assistants.
This role is ideal for graduates or early-career professionals who want hands‑on experience supporting children and young people with Autism, SEMH, anxiety, behavioural needs, trauma backgrounds, communication difficulties and other additional needs.
If you are hoping to progress into careers such as educational psychology, mental health services, counselling, SEN teaching or therapeutic work, this role offers invaluable practical experience.
You will work in inclusive primary, secondary and specialist SEN provisions, supporting pupils who require additional guidance with:
- Anxiety, low mood and emotional regulation
- Social or communication difficulties
- Behaviour influenced by trauma or unmet emotional needs
- Autism, ADHD or learning differences
- Low confidence, self-esteem or disengagement
Your role is to help pupils feel safe, understood and confident enough to learn.
- Provide 1:1 and small‑group emotional and wellbeing support
- Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils who need consistency
- Support students to regulate emotions, manage anxiety and develop coping strategies
- Assist pupils in accessing lessons and maintaining focus
- Help implement personalised support plans, behaviour plans and pastoral interventions
- Use active listening, empathy and evidence‑informed strategies
- Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, behaviour teams and external professionals
- Promote resilience, confidence, independence and positive social skills
This position is ideal for:
- Psychology graduates
- Counselling and psychotherapy students/graduates
- Mental health support workers
- Wellbeing mentors or pastoral staff
- Criminology, Sociology or Education graduates
- Individuals seeking experience before further training or postgraduate study
- Anyone passionate about supporting young people with additional needs
Experience is beneficial but not essential. A genuine interest in child development, mental health or wellbeing is what matters most.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Empathy, patience and emotional intelligence
- Confidence supporting young people during challenging moments
- Ability to stay calm, consistent and solution‑focused
- A reflective, professional and proactive approach
- Enhanced DBS (or willingness to apply)
- Experience in mental health, SEN or behaviour support
- Understanding of trauma‑informed or neurodiversity‑inclusive practices
- Knowledge of safeguarding and de-escalation strategies
- Ability to run simple wellbeing activities or check‑ins
- Background in youth work, care or psychology placements
- Weekly pay via PAYE (no umbrella deductions)
- Flexible working pattern (3-5 days per week)
- Access to accredited CPD, including:
- Mental Health & Wellbeing Training
- Team Teach (behaviour de-escalation)
- Autism and SEMH training
- Safeguarding & Child Protection
- Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement
- Opportunities for long-term and permanent roles
- A rewarding role that provides excellent experience for psychology or counselling pathways
This position is ideal if you want to
