Autism Support Worker - Psychology Graduate

If you're hoping to build a career in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Child Mental Health, Occupational Therapy or Speech and Language Therapy, this is your chance to gain invaluable experience supporting a child who'll benefit from your patience, understanding and curiosity.

We're working with a welcoming primary school in Bromley Heath that's looking for a dedicated Psychology Graduate to support a Key Stage 2 pupil on a 1:1 basis. The child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile, so we're looking for someone who already has experience supporting children with these needs and understands the importance of building trust before anything else.

No two days are the same. One day you might be helping a child regulate their emotions, the next you're celebrating a breakthrough that seemed impossible just a few weeks before. It's challenging, incredibly rewarding, and the kind of experience universities can't teach.

Why this role is ideal for Psychology graduates

You'll gain practical experience in:

• Autism and neurodiversity.
• PDA-informed approaches and low-demand communication strategies.
• Emotional regulation and positive behaviour support.
• Building therapeutic relationships with children.
• Working alongside experienced teachers and SEND professionals.
• Observing how personalised interventions support learning and wellbeing.

This is excellent experience if you're considering a future in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Social Work or teacher training.

We're looking for someone who has

• A degree in Psychology or a closely related subject.
• Previous experience supporting children with ASD and PDA, through paid work, volunteering, placements or mentoring.
• A calm, resilient and empathetic approach.
• The confidence to adapt, listen and build positive relationships.
• A genuine interest in supporting children with additional needs.

You'll also need

• An Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on the Update Service.
• At least 24 months of referenceable employment or education history.

Training before you begin

You'll have access to TeamTeach training over the summer, giving you practical de-escalation techniques and behaviour support strategies before your first day.

Why join Protocol Education?

• Weekly PAYE pay, no umbrella companies.
• FREE access to our online CPD Academy.
• TeamTeach training before you start.
• A dedicated consultant who understands SEND careers.
• Ongoing opportunities to develop your skills and progress within education.

Whether you're based in Bromley Heath, Downend, Emersons Green, Fishponds, Staple Hill, Mangotsfield or nearby, this is an opportunity to build the experience that future employers and postgraduate courses are looking for.

If you're ready to turn your knowledge of psychology into meaningful, real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and start a career where every day brings new learning, genuine purpose and the chance to change a child's future.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

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