Student Mentor - Looked After Children Trowbridge, or Lackham and Chippenham Two fixed term positions available until July 2026 Post 1 – 18.5 hours a week, 362 weeks per year based at our Trowbridge Campus. Hours will ideally be worked over a 4-day period Salary: £10,618 per annum (full time equivalent £24,331 per annum) (Professional Services Grade 4) Post 2 – 15 hours a week, 362 weeks per year based between our Chippenham and Lackham campuses. Hours will ideally be worked over a 3-day period. Salary: £8,609 per annum (full time equivalent £24,331 per annum) (Professional Services Grade 4) Closing Date: Thursday 15th May 2025 Wiltshire College & University Centre have an exciting opportunity for a Student Mentor – Looked After Children to join our team. About Us: Wiltshire College & University Centre plays a vital role in Wiltshire’s economy, inspiring people to develop the skills they need to achieve. Our four main campuses are learning hubs in their communities, and we aspire to be an outstanding, financially robust and commercially agile provider, achieving our clear social mission on behalf of learners and employers across Wiltshire and beyond. Our campuses deliver a diversity of facilities from the country estate and farm of our Lackham campus to new hi-tech digital and state of the art facilities at our Trowbridge, Salisbury and Chippenham sites. We have invested £65 million in our estate over the past 10 years. Our turnover is £45 million per annum and growing, we employ some 650 staff, and support around 11,500 students. Student Mentor – Looked After Children – The Role: Are you passionate about supporting young people to achieve their full potential? We are looking for two dedicated and compassionate mentors to join our team and make a real difference in the lives of our looked after students. Working under the guidance of the Safeguarding Team you will play a key role in helping students overcome emotional, social and behavioural barriers to learning. You’ll coordinate statutory review processes, provide direct pastoral and academic support, and liaise closely with internal and external teams to ensure every student is set up for success. Student Mentor – Looked After Children - Key Responsibilities: * Offer individual and group support for students facing personal or educational challenges. * Promote engagement and re-engagement through proactive attendance and behaviour monitoring. * Support positive transitions into college and onward progression. * Build strong working relationships with the Virtual School, curriculum staff, parents, and carers. * Use College systems to track and report progress. * Help embed positive behaviours and foster a supportive, inclusive learning environment. Student Mentor – Looked After Children – You: What we are looking for: * A genuine passion for supporting young people, especially those with complex needs. * Excellent communication and teamwork skills. * Experience working with vulnerable young people in the care system and/or working in an educational or pastoral setting is desirable. * Strong organisational skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Essential Qualifications * Hold a level 3 qualification in a relevant subject. * Literacy and Numeracy qualification at Level 2 (GCSE A-C or equivalent). * Evidence of strong CPD This is a meaningful opportunity to be part of a supportive and committed college community, where your work will have a direct impact on student outcomes and futures. Student Mentor – Looked After Children -– Benefits: * Competitive salary * 30 days, pro rata annual leave for Professional Service Staff plus bank holidays and additional closure days over the Christmas period * Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme * Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) * Discounts with a wide variety of retailers * Free onsite car parking Student Mentor – Looked After Children -– Application Process: Wiltshire College & University Centre follows Safer Recruitment Guidance outlined by the Department for Education in ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’. This involves conducting enhanced DBS checks, including checks against the children’s barred list, and other employment verifications, including an online presence review for shortlisted candidates. We embrace diversity, recognising the valuable perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and cultures individuals from different backgrounds bring. Committed to safeguarding, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As a Disability Confident Employer, we pledge to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a job vacancy and assess them based on their abilities. Applications for this role close on the 15th May 2025