Criminology Graduate - Specialist Learning Support

Criminology Graduate – SEMH & Behaviour Learning Support Role (North/East Bristol)

Location:

North/East Bristol

Hours:

8:30am – 3:30pm
Pay:
From £450 a week

Start Date:

ASAP

Are you a graduate looking to develop hands‑on therapeutic experience with young people who have social, emotional and mental health needs? Do you want to work directly in classrooms, supporting students to regulate, engage and succeed in a nurturing school environment? We are recruiting for a Therapeutic Support Assistant to join a specialist SEMH school in the North/East Bristol area.

This specialist school supports children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, including those who have experienced trauma, attachment disruptions or significant barriers to learning. The environment is highly relational, structured and supportive. Staff work closely with therapeutic practitioners, mental health teams and behaviour specialists to provide pupils with consistency, emotional safety and opportunities to succeed. The school places a strong emphasis on classroom‑based therapeutic support, helping students manage emotions, develop resilience and build confidence.

This position gives you direct experience relevant to career paths in educational psychology, mental health support work, psychology, youth and community work, social work, SEMH or SEND teaching, and therapeutic and counselling professions. You will learn how to apply trauma‑informed practice, understand behaviour as communication and use relational strategies to help young people navigate emotional challenges. It offers precisely the kind of experience valued by postgraduate training routes.

• Providing in‑class therapeutic and relational support
• Helping students regulate emotions and manage behaviour
• Implementing trauma‑informed strategies and de‑escalation techniques
• Building safe, trusting and consistent relationships with pupils
• Supporting engagement with learning and classroom routines
• Working collaboratively with teachers, mental health practitioners and behaviour leads
• Reinforcing boundaries, structure and positive behaviour

• Hands‑on therapeutic and SEMH experience in a specialist school
• Training in trauma‑informed practice, PACE, restorative approaches and emotional regulation
• Experience working closely with teachers and therapeutic teams
• A deeper understanding of behaviour, mental health and adolescent development
• A pathway into psychology, therapy, youth work or social care roles
• Opportunity for a long‑term or permanent position

• A graduate in Psychology, Education, Criminology, Sociology, Social Work, Youth Work, Counselling or a similar field
• Experience supporting young people (schools, youth work, mentoring, care, coaching etc.)
• A calm, patient and resilient individual who can confidently support challenging behaviour
• Someone who builds relationships easily and communicates professionally
• An enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)

• We specialise in SEND and SEMH recruitment
• Ongoing support, training and development
• Opportunities for progression and long‑term placements
• Competitive weekly pay
• A dedicated consultant who understands the needs of SEMH settings

If you want a role where your support directly changes the lives of young people every day, apply now for a January start.

Contact:
Laura Dowson
Telephone:  l Ext: 2014

Axcis is an equal opportunities employer and as such we do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, race or any other equal opportunities criteria. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such, you will be required to provide an up‑to‑date DBS, or be prepared to allow Axcis to process one on your behalf, in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines.

If the position you are applying for involves working with children or vulnerable adults, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

Axcis Education is an employment agency offering temporary supply work for daily, short‑term and long‑term assignments in addition to permanent positions. You must be suitably qualified for the position advertised and be prepared to attend a face‑to‑face interview with Axcis to demonstrate your suitability for this role. Salary / Pay Rate will be dependent on your skills and experience.

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