Mental Health Support Assistant (SEMH Schools) - Bristol - #2094668

Full-Time | Term-Time Only | Long-Term Roles
£92–£105 per day | Immediate / September Starts

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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
• Further study in psychology or mental health

Many graduates use this type of role as a stepping stone into postgraduate training and professional careers in psychology and mental health.

• Weekly PAYE pay (no umbrella deductions)
• Long-term, stable role (not day-to-day supply)
• Ongoing training and development
• Support from experienced staff and consultants
• Opportunity to move into permanent roles

• Gain relevant experience for competitive psychology and mental health careers
• Work in a role where you can see real impact every day
• Develop specialist skills in behaviour and emotional support
• Be part of a supportive and structured SEMH school environment

Apply now to be considered for long-term roles across SEMH schools in Bristol.
Interviews and trial days available.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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