Behaviour Support Assistant in South Shields

Behaviour Mentor - SEMH

Location: South Tyneside

Working hours: 8.30am-3.30pm Monday to Friday

Start date: September 2026

Milk Education are recruiting for a Behaviour Mentor to support teenagers with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs within a supportive school environment in South Tyneside.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with young people and wants to make a genuine difference to students who may experience challenges with behaviour, emotional regulation, engagement and accessing their education.

The successful Behaviour Mentor will play an important role in building positive relationships with students, helping them understand and manage their emotions, and encouraging them to make positive choices both inside and outside of the classroom. You will work closely with teachers, pastoral staff and the wider school team to provide consistent and personalised support.

Behaviour Mentor Key Responsibilities:

• Providing consistent 1:1 and small group support for students aged 11-16 with SEMH and behavioural needs

• Building positive, trusting relationships with students and becoming a reliable and supportive adult in their school day

• Supporting students with emotional regulation, behaviour management and developing positive coping strategies

• Helping students identify triggers and develop strategies to manage challenging situations

• Encouraging students to re-engage with learning and develop confidence, resilience and independence

• Supporting pupils who may display dysregulated or challenging behaviours, responding calmly and consistently

• Working alongside teachers, pastoral staff and the wider support team to implement individual behaviour and support strategies

• Promoting positive behaviour, attendance, engagement and a sense of belonging within the school

• Creating a calm, safe and inclusive environment where students feel respected, understood and supported

Behaviour Mentor Person Specification:

• Previous experience supporting young people in a school, alternative provision, youth work, care or similar setting is desirable but not essential

• Experienced Support Workers, Youth Workers, Sports Coaches, Residential Support Workers or those with mentoring experience are encouraged to apply

• A genuine passion for supporting young people and helping them overcome barriers to learning

• A calm, patient, resilient and empathetic approach when supporting challenging or dysregulated behaviour

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• The ability to remain consistent and positive when faced with challenging situations

• Ability to work proactively, both independently and as part of a wider pastoral team

• Solid numeracy and literacy skills

• An Enhanced DBS certificate on the update service (or willingness to apply)

Benefits:

• Competitive rates of pay with temp-to-perm routes available

• Speedy registration process & fast-track compliance - APSCo Compliance+ accredited for the highest safer recruitment standards

• Culture-matched placements - we take the time to understand you and find schools that fit your values and strengths

• Priority Partnership school network - access to trusted schools who work with us long-term on st