Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist

Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist – Southend – Starting April 20th 2026!

Student Support Mentor – SEMH & Vulnerable Learners (Secondary School)

Pay: £101.40 per day

Location:

Southend-on-Sea

Start Date:

April 20th, 2026

Schedule:

Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, term time only

Are you a Criminology or Social Science graduate looking to apply your knowledge of human behaviour in a real-world setting? Do you want to understand the link between social factors, trauma, and educational outcomes?

Milk Education, a wellbeing-led and eco-friendly agency, is recruiting passionate graduates to work in a secondary school in Southend. In this Student Support Mentor role, you will support vulnerable pupils to improve their attendance, regulate their emotions, and re-engage with their education.

This role focuses on supporting students at risk of underachievement, persistent absence, or exclusion. These pupils often present with complex needs, including:

• Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• 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, SENCOs, and teaching staff to help students regulate emotions, rebuild trust in adults, and access learning in a safe and consistent environment.

• 1:1 and small-group mentoring for vulnerable pupils
• Supporting emotional regulation, self-control, and positive behaviour choices
• 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 is an excellent foundation for graduates considering careers in Psychology, Youth Justice, Mental Health, Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or Therapy.

You will develop:

• A strong understanding of adolescent behaviour and SEMH needs
• 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

• 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

• Access to a mental health and wellbeing platform (including counselling)
• A dedicated consultant who understands your long-term career goals

• Competitive daily pay (£101.40 per day)
• Fast-track registration and compliance
• Flexible working opportunities (term time only)
• 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 theUK’s only eco-friendly education supply agency
• Nationwide network of schools and trusts

• 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 in building relationships with challenging or disengaged learners

Ready to make a difference?

Click ‘Apply Now’ or get in touch to find out more about this rewarding opportunity starting this April.

Criminology Graduate – Aspiring Psychologist – Southend – Education and Training