Mentoring Opportunity | SEMH and Trauma-Informed Practice
Location: Dorset (Piddlehinton, Blandford and Wool)
Contract: Full-time or part-time, permanent (Term Time Only or Part time contracts can be arranged by agreement)
Deadline: The deadline for applications is Friday 20th March but early submissions are very welcome and will be considered as they are received. We reserve the right to appoint at any time in the process if we find the right candidate sooner.
The opportunity
Dorset Wellbeing Alternative Provision (DWB) is a well-established SEMH and trauma-informed provider operating across West Dorset, with continued growth across the county.
As we enter our next phase of growth, we are inviting applications from experienced Teachers, Learning Mentors, Higher Level Teaching Assistants and Teaching Assistants to join our staff team.
Dorset Wellbeing expects applicants to share our unwavering commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. As part of this, an Enhanced DBS check is required, as are two professional references and an agreement to undergo all other safer recruitment checks.
The challenge
This work is emotionally demanding.
You will be tested.
You may be rejected by a young person before you are trusted.
Progress will not always be visible in data.
But when a young person finally lets you in, and consistency replaces chaos, the impact is real and lasting.
DWB Alternative Provision operates a proven model built around:
* trauma-informed practice
* therapeutic containment with clear limits
* disciplined operational design
* reflective supervision and deliberately coherent systems
Provision is delivered through small, relational clusters, designed to create containment and consistency. In the most complex cases, and where this is in the young person’s best interests, bespoke 1:1 placements are available.
Our provision is broad and purposeful, and our children and young people are offered meaningful pathways through:
* Functional Skills (numeracy and literacy)
* vocational qualifications in employability and development
* LANTRA accredited programmes
* motor mechanics
* life skills and personal development
* art and craft practice
* catering and hospitality
* animal care and horticulture
* trade skills, including carpentry and practical construction
* sport, games and physical development
We are not confined to one learning lane. We design provision around the child or young person - relationally, therapeutically and educationally.
We understand behaviour as communication.
We believe connection comes before progress and that consistency changes lives.
Progression with learning matters a great deal, but emotional safety comes first.
The scope of our work offers space for practitioners who are curious and who incite curiosity in others.
The role
The title Learning Mentor reflects the dual expectation of the therapeutic personal connection in mentoring and the focus on development and progress through education.
The role will include:
* helping young people who are anxious and will have experienced challenges in educational settings
* supporting young people with self-esteem and confidence building activities
* listening to young people and helping to resolve a range of issues that are creating barriers to their wellbeing and learningplanning and facilitating learning opportunities for them and monitoring their progress
* recording and reporting on their wellbeing, presentation and learning
* maintaining accurate records of attendance
* communicating with parents and carers
* transporting the young people to site from the home
* undertaking reflective practice and committing to ongoing CPD
Depending on experience and organisational need, this may also include:
* helping children and young people on outreach work in the home or in the community
* delivering specific interventions with a range of young people across the day or in small groups (eg. literacy focus or RSHE)
* report writing and analysing children and young people’s records
* liaising with other professionals and external partners (eg. school staff or SEN workers)
Who thrives at Dorset Wellbeing
You are likely to thrive in this role if you are:
* calm under pressure and emotionally reflective
* able to stay consistent even when initially rejected
* patient and non-judgemental
* comfortable with slow progress and small steps
* motivated by impact rather than quick wins
Experience with Teaching, SEMH, ASC, trauma-informed work, fostering, residential care, or social work leadership is highly valued, and experience of working with children and young people with SEMH and SEN needs in a specialist setting or an Alternative Provision will be a significant advantage. Though some of our best practitioners have learnt on the job and developed their skills over time.
Familiarity with outdoor or vocational learning, experience in art and craft-based provision, or a specialism in Functional Skills (numeracy and/or literacy) would also strengthen your contribution within our model.
What we offer
In joining Dorset Wellbeing, you can expect:
* Competitive salary aligned to responsibility and employer pension contribution
* Generous annual leave entitlement
* Ongoing CPD and professional development
* Reflective practice and mentoring
* Structured induction programme
* Opportunities for internal progression and role development
* Supportive, values-led working culture
* Access to multidisciplinary expertise
* Flexible working conversations where role-appropriate
* Clear governance and safeguarding framework
* A growing organisation with defined career pathways
In addition, the following are provided:
* Company laptop
* Company mobile phone
* Access to Company pool vehicles
Salary ranges from £26,580 to £30,580 depending on experience and qualifications. Term Time Only or Part time contracts will be pro rata by agreement.
If you would like an additional conversation before applying, please call Sharon on 07395 044 850.
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