Aspiring Clinical Psychologist – Oxford
Aspiring Clinical Psychologist – Oxford – Education and Training
Role: SEN Teaching Assistant role in a specialist school for autism with associated neurodivergent needs.
Location: Oxford
1. Pay: £101 to £110 per day, Monday to Friday, term time only
2. Start Date: June or September 2025 starts
3. Contract: Full-time, Monday to Friday (8:30 am – 4:00 pm), Temporary to Permanent (until the end of the Summer Term, with the opportunity to go permanent)
Are you a Psychology, Humanities, or Criminology graduate looking to gain valuable, hands-on experience before pursuing a career in Clinical Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Mental Health, Social Work, or related fields? This role offers an exceptional opportunity to deepen your understanding of how autism, mental health, and trauma intersect—knowledge that is vital for future clinical practice.
Milk Education is recruiting for a SEN Teaching Assistant to work in a specialist school supporting students with Autism, Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and associated challenges such as anxiety, depression, and speech and language difficulties. Through this role, you will develop key skills in behaviour intervention, de-escalation, and trauma-informed support—essential foundations for a career in clinical psychology or mental health services.
About the Role:
As an SEN TA, you will support students aged 4–11 who may struggle with emotional regulation, social interaction, and engagement in learning. Many have experienced trauma, adverse childhood experiences, or difficulties with authority figures. Your role is to build strong, trusting relationships, support emotional well-being, and encourage positive behaviour—while helping students gain the skills they need to thrive academically and socially.
Working in this environment will give you first-hand experience with:
4. The developmental and behavioural profiles of children with autism.
5. The relationship between mental health challenges and learning.
6. Practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent pupils in education and social settings.
You will be based in a specialist primary and secondary school for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for autism and associated needs. This includes supporting pupils with communication difficulties, sensory processing differences, and co-occurring mental health needs.
Key Responsibilities:
7. Building strong, positive relationships with students to encourage trust and engagement.
8. Supporting pupils in managing emotions and developing healthy coping strategies.
9. Providing targeted academic and emotional support in small groups or 1:1 settings.
10. Helping pupils at risk of exclusion remain engaged in education.
11. Assisting teachers with lesson delivery and ensuring pupils are focused and supported.
12. Applying restorative and trauma-informed approaches to manage conflict and promote positive behaviour.
13. Helping students develop life skills that extend beyond the classroom.
What We’re Looking For:
14. Graduates in Psychology, Criminology, Youth & Community Work, or related disciplines.
15. Non-graduates with relevant youth work, mentoring, or social care experience are also welcome to apply.
16. A genuine interest in working with young people, particularly those with autism and SEMH needs.
17. Sincerity—why do you want to work with some of the most vulnerable children in society?
18. A calm, patient, and resilient approach with the ability to de-escalate challenging situations.
19. Experience (voluntary or paid) with vulnerable young people, SEMH, or youth offending is desirable but not essential—full training provided.
20. A strong passion for advocacy, rehabilitation, and improving life outcomes for young people.
Why Choose This Role?
21. Gain direct, practical experience of autism, mental health, and behaviour intervention—core areas for future clinical psychologists.
22. Build an evidence base for postgraduate clinical training applications.
23. Work in a supportive environment with a team committed to professional growth.
24. Make a meaningful difference to young people’s lives while developing transferable therapeutic skills.
25. Access to continuous training and career progression opportunities.
26. Potential to secure a permanent role after the Summer Term.
Aspiring Clinical Psychologist – Oxford – Education and Training – Aspiring Clinical Psychologist – Oxford