Job description
Youth Mentor
Location: Preston
Position: Youth Mentor (Pupil Referral Unit)
Contract Type: Full Time, Term-time only
Rate of Pay: £ – £ per day
Working Hours: 08:30 – 15:30 (Monday to Friday)
Start: February 2026
About the School
We are working with a specialist secondary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Preston that supports young people who are unable to access mainstream education due to behavioural, emotional and social needs.
The school provides a structured, nurturing and relationship-driven environment, offering clear routines, consistent boundaries and high levels of pastoral support to help pupils re-engage with learning, develop emotional regulation and improve long-term outcomes.
Youth Mentor
We are seeking a dedicated and resilient Youth Mentor to support pupils on both a 1:1 and small-group basis. This role is ideal for someone confident in managing challenging behaviour and committed to building trusting, professional relationships with young people.
Key Responsibilities as a Youth Mentor
1. Provide 1:1 and small group mentoring to support emotional regulation, engagement and positive behaviour, including during periods of heightened distress.
2. Assist in managing challenging and, at times, high-risk behaviour using positive behaviour strategies and de-escalation techniques.
3. Build strong, consistent relationships with pupils who may struggle with authority, boundaries or emotional regulation.
4. Support teachers in delivering structured lessons within a highly controlled classroom environment.
5. Work closely with pastoral teams, SEN staff and external professionals to support pupil progress and wellbeing.
6. Liaise appropriately with parents and carers, alongside pastoral staff, to support consistent approaches and positive outcomes.
Requirements
7. Experience working with children or young people with challenging behaviour, SEMH, SEN or youth settings (desirable)
8. Calm, patient and resilient approach with the ability to remain composed under pressure
9. Confidence in setting boundaries and following behaviour management plans
10. Strong communication skills and commitment to safeguarding
Eligibility
11. Right to Work in the UK
12. Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to apply
13. Two professional, child-related references covering the last two years