Job description
Specialist Support Mentor - SEMH & Behaviour Support
Location: Specialist Provision, Oldham area
Salary: Competitive NJC Scale - commensurate with experience
Hours: Full-time / Term Time (plus inset days)
Contract: Permanent
Start Date: As soon as possible
About the Role:
Aspire People is seeking resilient and compassionate individuals, particularly those with backgrounds as Prison Officers or Youth Workers, to join a specialist educational provision supporting young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and complex, challenging behaviours.
This unique role offers the opportunity to transfer your skills in behaviour management, de-escalation, and mentoring into an educational setting where you will support pupils to engage positively in their learning and personal development. You will play a vital role in helping students manage their emotions, build social skills, and focus on academic progress, empowering them to achieve successful, fulfilling futures beyond school.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Providing 1:1 and small group mentoring to pupils with SEMH and challenging behaviours
- Using your experience to de-escalate and distract pupils during moments of heightened emotion or distress
- Supporting pupils to develop self-regulation, resilience, and social interaction skills
- Working closely with teachers and specialists to implement personalised strategies that support learning and wellbeing
- Encouraging positive behaviour and promoting a safe, nurturing environment
- Contributing to pupil progress monitoring and feedback, supporting their academic and personal development
- Acting as a consistent, reliable role model and advocate for pupils' needs
Who We're Looking For:
- Experienced Prison Officers, Youth Workers, or professionals with a background in challenging behaviour support and mentoring
- Strong understanding of de-escalation techniques and behaviour management in high-pressure situations
- Passion for working with young people with additional needs, particularly SEMH
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and rapport
- Patience, empathy, and emotional resilience to support pupils facing complex challenges
- A team player who can work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary setting
- Commitment to professional development and safeguarding
Why Make the Move?
- Use your existing skills in a rewarding new environment where you make a lasting impact
- Join a specialist provision rated Outstanding, renowned for its supportive and inclusive culture
- Receive full training and ongoing support tailored to education and SEND needs
- Be part of a passionate team focused on creating meaningful futures for young people with additional needs
Safeguarding and Pre-employment Checks:
This role requires an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and proof of the right to work in the UK. Online checks will also be completed as part of safeguarding procedures in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023.
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