Full job descriptionPsychology Graduate – SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: Surrey
Full-Time | Term Time Only
Start Dates: ASAP & September 2026
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Are you a Psychology graduate looking to gain hands-on experience working with children and young people before pursuing a career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counselling, Therapy, Social Work, or Teaching?
We are recruiting Psychology Graduates to work as SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) Teaching Assistants within specialist schools and alternative provisions across Surrey. These rewarding roles provide invaluable experience supporting students with additional needs, challenging behaviour, and mental health difficulties.
The RoleAs an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with students who require additional emotional and behavioural support to access education successfully. You will help build positive relationships, promote emotional wellbeing, and support students both academically and socially.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop practical experience working with young people who may have experienced trauma, anxiety, autism, ADHD, attachment difficulties, or social, emotional and mental health challenges.
Key Responsibilities*Provide one-to-one and small group support to students with SEMH needs.

*Help students develop emotional regulation, resilience, and confidence.

*Support positive behaviour and engagement within the classroom.

*Assist teachers with lesson delivery and classroom activities.

*Build trusting relationships with pupils and act as a positive role model.

*Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and pastoral teams.

*Monitor and report on student progress and wellbeing.

What We’re Looking For*A degree in Psychology or a related field.

*A genuine interest in child development, mental health, and special educational needs.

*Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

*Patience, empathy, and resilience.

*Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.

*Experience working with children, young people, or vulnerable individuals is desirable but not essential.

Ideal For Graduates Interested In:*Educational Psychology

*Clinical Psychology

*Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

*Counselling and Therapy

*Social Work

*Youth Work

*SEN Teaching

*Behaviour and Pastoral Support

What We Offer*Valuable experience within specialist educational settings.

*Full-time, long-term opportunities with immediate and September starts available.

*Ongoing training and professional development.

*Supportive school environments and experienced staff teams.

*Opportunity to make a meaningful difference to young people’s lives.

*Potential pathways into permanent education and mental health careers.

If you are a Psychology graduate looking to gain practical experience in a highly rewarding role, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today to begin your career supporting young people with SEMH needs across Surrey.
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.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.