Mental Health & SEMH Support Assistant

Job Title:

Mental Health & SEMH Support Assistant

Aspiring Psychologist – Mental Health & SEMH Support Assistant in Southwark, London. GSL Education are seeking a compassionate graduate to support SEMH needs in a Primary school. Full-time term-time role with daily pay and strong professional development opportunities.

• Strong interest in psychology, mental health, neurodivergence, or child development.
• Experience (paid) in youth work, SEN support, coaching or counselling.
• Calm, patient, empathetic and emotionally resilient personality.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build trust with vulnerable young people.
• Genuine passion for supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing.

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH and neurodivergent needs.
• Supporting pupils who may present with anxiety, emotional distress, or challenging behaviour.
• Using trauma-informed, de-escalation, and co-regulation techniques to support pupils in crisis.
• Helping pupils access lessons and classroom activities by removing emotional and sensory barriers.
• Encouraging routine, structure, and predictability to reduce anxiety.
• Using calm, consistent behaviour support and restorative approaches.
• Collaborating with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, CAMHS professionals, and pastoral teams.
• Acting as a positive role model for patience, empathy, resilience, and emotional regulation.

Aspiring Psychologist – Mental Health & SEMH Support Assistant

Location:

Southwark, London

Start Date:

2nd of November 2026

Contract:

Full-time, Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4pm - Term Time Only
Pay: £95 per day
Sector:
Education and Training – SEMH & Mental Health Support

Aspiring Psychologist – Mental Health & SEMH Support Assistant – Southwark Education and Training – Mental Health – SEMH – Career Development Opportunity

Are you passionate about mental health, neurodivergence, and child psychology? Looking for hands‑on experience supporting young people with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs before pursuing a career in clinical or educational psychology, counselling, CAMHS, occupational therapy, or therapeutic support?

We are recruiting compassionate and resilient Mental Health & SEMH Support Assistants for a primary school in Southwark. This school supports children and young people with a range of SEMH needs, including anxiety, trauma, attachment difficulties, ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent profiles. Many pupils have experienced adverse childhood experiences and require consistent, trauma‑informed support to feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.

This role is ideal for graduates and aspiring professionals who want to build a long‑term career supporting children with mental health and neurodevelopmental needs.

You will gain invaluable frontline experience directly relevant to:

• Clinical Psychology – trauma‑informed care, attachment theory, mental health assessment, therapeutic engagement
• Educational Psychology – understanding how SEMH impacts learning, behaviour, and school engagement
• Counselling & Psychotherapy – building therapeutic relationships, active listening, and emotional support
• CAMHS & Mental Health Services – early intervention, emotional regulation, and wellbeing support
• Occupational Therapy – sensory regulation, co‑regulation, and daily living skills
• Behaviour Analysis – understanding behaviour as communication, functional approaches, and positive behaviour support
• Neurodivergence & SEN – supporting pupils with ADHD, autism, and other neurodevelopmental profiles

Through daily practice, you will develop expertise in:

• Emotional regulation and co‑regulation techniques
• De‑escalation and crisis management strategies
• Behaviour as…