At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide one-to-one mentoring support to students with disabilities and mental health challenges.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to empowering diverse learners.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Help students overcome barriers and achieve their academic goals while developing your mentoring skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in tutoring or mentoring students with disabilities; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Work from home options available; must be eligible to work in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Purpose of Role
- To provide bespoke specialist one-to-one study skills Specialist Mentor support sessions to clients with disabilities, mental health and neurodiverse conditions, including but not limited to the following examples: AD(H)D, Asperger’s, autism, Anxiety and Depression, EUPD in education.
- To facilitate and empower clients to become independent through lifelong learning strategies specific to the task at hand.
- To provide highly specialised one to one support, specifically tailored, to help clients address and overcome barriers created by a particular challenge, e.g. mental‑health conditions, AD(H)D or autistic spectrum disorders. This could include a range of issues, for example, coping with anxiety and stressful situations, how to deal with concentration difficulties, time management, prioritising workload, communication difficulties and creating a suitable work‑life balance.
- The role is not to act as an advocate or counsellor, the scope of the role is to help clients recognise the barriers to learning created by their challenges, and to provide support in developing coping strategies to address these barriers, particularly at times of transition, e.g. when starting education.
- For some clients this support will need to be ongoing while for others it might be gradually phased out or only be required at certain points of their education.
Main duties and responsibilities
At one-to-one sessions:
- Provide clients with bespoke methods of developing independent strategies to overcome their challenges
- Apply a dynamic approach at all times according to the changing needs of the individual client
- Assess the strengths of individuals and teach them to use them effectively
- Develop effective learning plans and complete an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) for each client
- Communicate, encourage and support clients to understand their goals and ambitions, assist them to discover and overcome their personal barriers, and set targets to meet their objectives
- Review, evaluate and monitor ILP and set future targets
- Manage paperwork efficiently and promptly, i.e. completing time sheets and ILPs
- Provide session notes, reports, and backup materials for clients to reference as needed.
- Attend sessions in a punctual, professional, and courteous manner.
- Maintain confidentiality and personal boundaries to agreed disclosure levels in line with Bespoke Inclusive Support GDPR policy
- Adherence to Bespoke Inclusive Support safeguarding policy must be maintained at all times
Outside of sessions / other times:
- Undertake the required number of hours of relevant CPD annually as stated in the SLC NMH qualification matrix (Annex 1).
- Attend any relevant training or meetings and have the ability to develop existing skills
- Contribute to the team resources portal regularly
- Liaise with colleagues for team development and best practice
- Ensure that clients are happy with the support being provided, any problems must be referred to your manager immediately
- To undertake such other duties as may be reasonably required by Bespoke Inclusive Support
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
- A minimum of two years of experience in tutoring, mentoring, managing or working with students with disabilities, mental health and neurodiverse conditions in higher education on a 1:1 basis or to small groups (Essential)
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills; Friendly, patient, and encouraging (Essential)
- Excellent time management, planning and organisational abilities (Essential)
- Ability to inspire and motivate (Essential)
- Able to assess learner’s needs and devise an appropriate Individual Learning Plan (Essential)
- To be able to establish and maintain professional boundaries (Essential)
- Able to work from home and deliver support virtually thorough email/Skype/webcam/phone (Essential)
- Confidence in working independently with clients (Essential)
- Takes a logical approach to problem solving and pays close attention to detail (Essential)
- Proficient in IT skills, including the use of Google/Microsoft packages (Essential)
- Applies quality standards to all tasks undertaken and ensures that nothing is overlooked (Essential)
- Able to use own phone/laptop/desktop computer to access client data and time sheeting application (Essential)
Essential Qualifications
IMPORTANT: The requirements for these roles can vary depending on your qualifications and direct Autism training in higher education. If unsure, please check the criteria on the SLC website:
Specialist Mentor (SM‑MH)
- Educated to degree level and membership of a mental health related professional body such as BPS Graduate member (GMBPsS). For BPS Chartered and Graduate members, the following is required, a. A postgraduate qualification in mental health (an undergraduate degree in mental health is not acceptable. The qualification must be a postgraduate degree in mental health); and b. 30 hours of mental health relevant continuous professional development (CPD) annually; and c. engagement in supervision.
Specialist Mentor (SM‑ASC)
- Educated to degree level
- Experience of working with autistic students and students with ADHD
- Relevant qualification or willingness to obtain this through Optimum Student Support training course: Autism and ADHD in Higher Education: Recognising and addressing the barriers through Non-Medical Helper (NMH) Mentoring and Study Skills Strategies
- OR NAS Core Modules and additional requirements noted in this matrix:
Other Information
- Must be eligible to work in the UK
- Must provide a current basic DBS check
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Specialist Mentor (SM-ASC and/or SM- MH) employer: Bespoke Inclusive Support
Contact Detail:
Bespoke Inclusive Support Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Mentor (SM-ASC and/or SM- MH)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections, join relevant groups on social media, and attend events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or family. Focus on articulating how your skills align with the role of a Specialist Mentor, especially in supporting clients with diverse needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for helping clients shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to empowering others.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Mentor (SM-ASC and/or SM- MH)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Specialist Mentor. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in supporting clients with disabilities and mental health challenges.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since outstanding communication is key for this role, let your personality shine through in your written application. Be friendly and approachable while clearly articulating your thoughts and experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to emphasise your experience working with neurodiverse individuals or those with mental health conditions. Mention any specific strategies you've used to help clients overcome barriers in their learning.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bespoke Inclusive Support
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the specific needs of clients with disabilities, mental health issues, and neurodiverse conditions. Familiarise yourself with strategies for supporting these individuals, as well as the role's responsibilities. This will show your genuine interest and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since outstanding communication is essential for this role, prepare to demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated complex ideas or supported someone through a challenging situation. This will help you stand out as a friendly and encouraging candidate.
✨Prepare Your Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and how they support their mentors. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Experience
Reflect on your past experiences working with students who have disabilities or mental health challenges. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've assessed needs, developed learning plans, and helped clients overcome barriers. This will highlight your suitability for the role.