Why should psychology graduates consider a career in SEND?
Have you recently graduated with a psychology degree and feel unsure about your career path?
Many psychology graduates we speak to are passionate about human behaviour, but struggle to find a role that offers purpose and professional development. If you are looking to have an impact on the lives of others, use your knowledge, and build essential skills for future psychological roles, then a career in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) could be a good career option for you.
Why work within SEND?
- Job stability - There is a high demand for education professionals to support children with SEND, across all job levels.
- Rewarding career – Helping children and young people reach their full potential can be highly rewarding.
- Apply your degree – SEND roles allow you to apply your degree, from behaviour management strategies, to understanding autism, ADHD etc.
- Open doors to professional psychology careers – If you are considering roles such as Educational Psychologists, hands-on experience in child development and intervention are key requirements for postgraduate training.
What career paths are available?
There are many routes within education available for psychology graduates, including:
- SEND Teaching Assistants (TA) – Supporting children in the classroom with their learning needs.
- Learning Support Assistants (LSA) – Providing tailored support for children with additional needs.
- Behavioural Support Assistants/Mentors – Help support and manage behaviour and implement intervention strategies.
- Therapists – Working alongside multidisciplinary therapy teams (MDT), collaborating with qualified professionals, such as Speech & Language Therapists (SaLTs), Occupational Therapists, (OTs), Educational Psychologists (EPs), Creative Therapists, including art, play, drama and music Therapists, giving you exposure to therapeutic career paths.
- Teachers – With further training, leading classes, and developing teaching strategies so children fulfil their potential.
- Pastoral care - supporting pupils' emotional wellbeing, attendance, and social development, these roles often naturally overlap with behaviour support positions.
What skills do you need to work in SEND?
To succeed in SEND jobs, psychology graduates need:
- Strong interpersonal skills – You will be building strong positive relationships with pupils, their families and staff.
- Understanding of learning & behaviour strategies – Understanding behaviour management techniques & differentiated learning approaches are key skills.
- Empathy & emotional intelligence – Patience and emotional awareness are key when supporting children with complex needs.
- Problem-solving & adaptability – Every day is different, being flexible and solution-focused is crucial.
If you have the above skills, you will be well-equipped to handle the diverse challenges in the classroom.
Next steps
If you are looking to further develop your psychology skills following graduation and are interested in working with young people, a career in SEND could be an ideal path, combining your passion with career progression. Whether you are looking to gain experience for further study or a long-term career in SEND education, Parker Smith Inclusion can support you in taking your first step.
We have access to a wide range of job opportunities through partnerships with multiple schools, local authorities, and educational organisations.
You can view our latest opportunities here or contact Emilie Pechur on 020 3011 4848 or email emilie@psinclusion.co.uk.
