Psychology, Criminology & Sociology Graduates – Support Roles in Sunderland Schools
Are you a Psychology, Criminology, or Sociology graduate looking to make a real difference in young people’s lives? Sunderland schools are seeking Mental Health Support Workers, Learning Support Assistants, and Pastoral Support Assistants to join their teams.
Why your background is a perfect fit
Your studies have given you an understanding of behaviour, motivation, and wellbeing—skills schools urgently need. Whether it’s supporting pupils with additional needs, helping young people regulate emotions, or being a steady pastoral presence, your insight into human behaviour means you can connect with students in ways that really count.
Schools value graduates like you because:
* You understand mental health and behaviour beyond the surface.
* You can bring a calm, empathetic approach to challenging situations.
* You’re skilled at building trust and positive relationships.
* You’re motivated to see young people thrive, not just academically but personally.
About the roles
* Monday to Friday, term-time only – work that fits around school schedules.
* Roles include 1:1 support, small-group interventions, and whole-class assistance.
* Opportunities to support pupils with SEND, SEMH, behaviour needs, and pastoral care.
What’s in it for you?
Working in schools is more than a job—it’s a chance to shape futures while building your own career path. Many of our graduates go on to teaching, social work, counselling, or educational psychology. You’ll gain:
* Hands-on experience in education and child development.
* Transferable skills in communication, behaviour management, and safeguarding.
* The reward of seeing pupils gain confidence and resilience with your support.
Why work with Protocol Education?
* Weekly pay through PAYE—no umbrella deductions.
* FREE access to our online CPD Academy to boost your skills.
* Dedicated local consultant support—real people who listen and match you to the right schools.
* A wide range of opportunities in mainstream, SEND, and alternative settings.
* Referral scheme—earn rewards for recommending friends.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further 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.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the 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 FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.
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