Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Southend – February 2026 start!
Student Support Mentor – SEMH & Vulnerable Learners (Secondary School)
Start Date: February 2026
Are you a Criminology Graduate in Southend looking to gain meaningful, hands-on experience supporting young people with Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs in a secondary school setting?
Are you interested in understanding behaviour, emotional regulation, attendance issues, and the wider social factors that impact learning?
Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly education agency, is recruiting Criminology and Social Science graduates to work in a Southend secondary school, supporting the most vulnerable pupils to raise attainment, improve attendance, and re-engage with education.
Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Southend – Education and Training - Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Southend
The Role: Student Support Mentor – Criminology Graduate (Secondary)
Location: Southend-on-Sea
Pay: £101.40 per day
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm (term time only)
Start Date: February 2026
Interviews & Trial Days: Early February 2026
Criminology Graduate Southend – Aspiring Psychologist
This role focuses on supporting students at risk of underachievement, persistent absence, or exclusion, many of whom present with:
* Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs (SEMH)
* Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
* Anxiety, low mood, anger, or emotionally driven behaviour
* Challenging or disruptive behaviour linked to unmet needs
* SEN or undiagnosed additional needs
* Significant barriers to attendance, engagement, and learning
You will work closely with pastoral teams, SEN staff, and teaching staff to help students regulate emotions, rebuild trust, and access learning in a consistent and supportive way.
Criminology Graduate Southend – Aspiring Psychologist – Education and Training - Criminology Graduate Southend – Aspiring Psychologist
Your Experience Will Include:
* 1:1 and small-group mentoring for vulnerable pupils
* Supporting emotional regulation, self-control, and positive behaviour
* Working with students with SEMH needs and behavioural challenges
* Mentoring pupils to improve attendance, punctuality, and engagement
* Implementing personalised behaviour and support strategies
* Using trauma-informed, restorative, and relational approaches
* Supporting classroom learning where appropriate
* Building trusting relationships with disengaged or high-risk learners
* Gaining hands-on exposure to safeguarding, behaviour management, and pastoral care
This role offers excellent experience for graduates considering careers in Psychology, Youth Justice, Mental Health, Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or Therapy.
Criminology Graduate Southend – Aspiring Psychologist – Education and Training - Criminology Graduate Southend – Aspiring Psychologist
Why This Role Is Valuable Experience
You will develop:
* A strong understanding of adolescent behaviour and SEMH
* Insight into the link between trauma, behaviour, attendance, and attainment
* Practical experience supporting complex emotional and behavioural needs
* Skills in mentoring, motivation, de-escalation, and relationship-based practice
Why Join Milk Education?
Training & CPD
* Free CPD including SEMH, Trauma-Informed Practice, Behaviour & De-escalation, Safeguarding, and Mental Health Awareness
* Career-focused development aligned with psychology and mental health pathways
Wellbeing & Support
* Access to a mental health and wellbeing platform (including counselling)
* A dedicated consultant who understands your long-term career goals
Benefits for You
* Competitive daily pay
* Fast-track registration and compliance
* Flexible working opportunities
* 5-star rated agency with 3,000+ reviews
* Free access to Milk Academy (1,000+ discounted CPD courses)
* FREE wellbeing resources and school preparation materials
* 24/7 consultant support
* Work with the UK’s only eco-friendly education supply agency
* Nationwide network of schools and trusts
* Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Southend – Education and Training - Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Southend
Who We’re Looking For:
* Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Science graduates
* Aspiring Psychologists, Mental Health Practitioners, Youth Justice or Youth Workers
* Calm, empathetic, and resilient individuals
* Graduates passionate about supporting students with SEMH needs
* Those motivated to improve attendance, attainment, and wellbeing
* Candidates confident building relationships with challenging or disengaged learners
Click ‘Apply Now’ or get in touch to find out more about this rewarding opportunity.
Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Southend – Education and Training - Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist Southend