Mentor, Youth Development, Special Needs ​/ Learning Disabilities

Support Mentor – SEMH Alternative Provision

Location: Hastings, East Sussex
Pay Rate: £14.25 per hour
Hours: Full-Time or Part-Time Available
Contract: Long-Term Position

We are currently seeking dedicated and resilient Support Mentors to join a specialist SEMH Alternative Provision in the Hastings area. This rewarding role involves supporting secondary-aged students who may face social, emotional, mental health, or behavioural challenges that impact their engagement with education.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence, and achieve positive outcomes both inside and outside the classroom.

As a Support Mentor, you will work closely with students on a one-to-one and small group basis, providing guidance, encouragement, and consistent support throughout the school day. You will play a key role in helping students regulate emotions, develop positive relationships, and engage successfully with learning.

• Build positive and trusting relationships with students.
• Support young people with SEMH needs and challenging behaviours.
• Deliver one-to-one mentoring and intervention support.
• Encourage participation in lessons and educational activities.
• Promote emotional wellbeing, resilience, and self-esteem.
• Support students with behaviour regulation and de-escalation strategies.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, pastoral teams, and external professionals.
• Monitor student progress and contribute to support plans.
• Act as a positive role model and advocate for young people.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed at all times.

We welcome applicants with experience working with young people or vulnerable adults in any of the following settings:

• SEMH Schools
• Alternative Provision
• Youth Work
• Sports Coaching
• Residential Childcare
• Social Care
• Mental Health Support
• Teaching Assistant Roles
• Community Outreach Programmes
• Behaviour Support Services

• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Behaviour management and de-escalation techniques.
• Patience, empathy, and emotional resilience.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Mentoring, coaching, or support experience.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Ability to motivate and engage young people.

The successful candidate will be passionate about supporting vulnerable young people, able to build meaningful relationships, and committed to helping students reach their full potential. Experience with in education is desirable but not essential, as candidates with relevant transferable skills and a genuine desire to make a difference are encouraged to apply.

• £14.25 per hour.
• Full-time and part-time opportunities available.
• Long-term, stable role.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Valuable experience within SEMH and Alternative Provision settings.
• The opportunity to positively impact the lives of young people every day.

If you are looking for a rewarding role where no two days are the same and where you can genuinely make a difference, we would love to hear from you.