Mental Health Assistant – Support Autistic Children

About the role

This full‑time position is based in a specialist school in Reading, supporting autistic children and young people aged 4‑16. The role offers a unique opportunity for a psychology graduate to gain hands‑on experience in a therapeutic educational setting before pursuing a career in clinical or educational psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or teaching.

Key responsibilities

• Provide one‑to‑one and group support for pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder both inside and outside the classroom.
• Promote emotional wellbeing, social interaction, communication and life‑skill development.
• Assist pupils with sensory needs and help them regulate emotions.
• Build trusting relationships with students, families and staff.
• Collaborate closely with specialist teachers, therapists and pastoral teams to deliver a whole‑child approach.

Required profile

• Graduate in Psychology or a related discipline.
• Aspiring Clinical Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Therapist or Mental Health Practitioner.
• Genuine passion for supporting children with autism and additional needs.
• Patient, empathetic and emotionally resilient.
• Previous experience working with children, young people or vulnerable groups is desirable.

Required skills

What we offer

• Experience in a specialist autism setting with a strong therapeutic framework.
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced therapists and specialist educators.
• Small class sizes and personalised support for professional growth.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities.
• A solid foundation for a future career in psychology, mental health or specialist education.