Mental Health Teaching Assistant

Are you passionate about supporting young people who have experienced trauma?

We are seeking a compassionate, resilient and reflective Mental Health Teaching Assistant to join our specialist school community. Our pupils are aged 5-18 and have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, and neglect. Many present with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

This is a unique opportunity to make a genuine difference in young people''s lives - helping them feel safe, understood and able to learn.

We particularly welcome applications from graduates in Psychology, Counselling, Criminology, Social Work, Youth Work or related fields. However, we warmly encourage candidates from all educational backgrounds who share our values and commitment to trauma-informed practice.

We are a specialist setting built around:

• Therapeutic approaches
• Restorative practice
• Attachment-aware and trauma-informed principles
• A strong, supportive multi-disciplinary team

The Role

As a Mental Health Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide 1:1 support to pupils with SEMH needs
• Lead and support small group interventions
• Help pupils develop emotional regulation, social skills and resilience
• Build safe, consistent and trusting relationships
• Support learning within and outside the classroom
• Contribute to behaviour support and therapeutic plans
• Work closely as part of a multi-disciplinary team

This role goes beyond traditional classroom support - you will play a key role in a child''s emotional development and sense of safety.

Who We''re Looking For

You might be:

• A Psychology, Counselling or Criminology graduate looking for practical experience
• Considering a future career in clinical psychology, educational psychology, psychotherapy, youth justice, social work or teaching
• Experienced in care, youth work, support work or education
• Passionate about trauma-informed practice
• Calm, patient and emotionally intelligent
• Resilient and able to maintain professional boundaries

Experience working with children or vulnerable groups is desirable, but your values, attitude and willingness to learn are just as important.

What We Offer

• A supportive and reflective team environment
• Ongoing professional development and training in therapeutic approaches
• Regular supervision and guidance from experienced professionals
• Meaningful, hands-on experience working with complex needs
• The opportunity to see real, lasting impact

If you are motivated by purpose, compassion and the belief that every child deserves safety and opportunity, we would love to hear from you.

Key Information

• Oxford based Specialist school
• ASAP Start / September Start
• -90 - -110 per day
• Full Time
• FANTASTIC experience for graduates
• Amazing students and a warm and friendly school

Oxford Specialist School - ASAP Start / September Start / Full Time