SEMH Behaviour Mentor

Behaviour Mentor / Mental Health Support Assistant

Leeds, Wakefield & Pontefract

Full-Time | Long-Term Opportunity | September Starts Available

Help Young People Overcome Barriers and Reach Their Potential

Are you passionate about supporting young people with social, emotional and mental health needs?

Do you have experience in youth work, care, residential support, coaching, mental health support, or working with vulnerable young people?

Leader Education is recruiting Behaviour Mentors and Mental Health Support Assistants to work within supportive mainstream and specialist schools across Leeds, Wakefield and Pontefract.

This is a highly rewarding role where you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people who require additional support to engage in education, regulate their emotions, and build confidence both inside and outside the classroom.

Whether you're already working in education or looking to transfer your skills from a care, support, youth work, or mental health background, we'd love to hear from you.

As a Behaviour Mentor, you'll work closely with pupils who may experience:

• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• Anxiety and emotional regulation difficulties
• Behavioural challenges
• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• ADHD
• Communication and interaction needs
• Trauma and attachment-related needs

You will play a key role in helping pupils feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

• Providing 1:1, small-group and classroom-based support
• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils
• Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies
• Helping pupils engage with learning and achieve their individual goals
• Encouraging independence, resilience and self-confidence
• Supporting pupils' mental health and overall well-being
• Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, SENCOs and external professionals
• Contributing to a safe, structured and nurturing school environment
• Adapting your approach to meet the individual needs of each pupil

• Patient, resilient and empathetic
• Passionate about supporting young people
• Confident building positive relationships and maintaining boundaries
• Calm under pressure and able to respond to challenging situations professionally
• Committed to making a long‑term impact in a school setting

• Behaviour Mentors
• Youth Workers
• Residential Childcare Workers
• Support Workers
• Mental Health Support Workers
• Care Workers
• Sports Coaches
• Psychology Graduates
• Health & Social Care Professionals
• Prison and Rehabilitation Staff
• Creative Arts Practitioners
• Armed Forces and Cadet Instructors

Previous school experience is desirable but not essential. Full support and training will be provided for the right candidates.

• Weekly pay through compliant umbrella payroll
• Free Team Teach and SEND‑specific training
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Dedicated support from an experienced education consultant
• Long‑term, temporary placements with temp‑to‑perm opportunities
• Full AWR compliance, ensuring fair pay and working conditions
• Opportunities to gain valuable experience within SEND, SEMH and alternative provision settings

Leader Education partners with inclusive mainstream schools, specialist SEND provisions and alternative education settings across West Yorkshire. We are committed to connecting exceptional people with rewarding opportunities that positively impact the lives of children and young people.

All roles are subject to safer recruitment and compliance checks. An Enhanced Child & Adult Workforce DBS is required. If you do not currently hold one, Leader Education can support you with the application process.

If you're looking for a role where you can build meaningful relationships, support young people's mental health, and make a lasting difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.