At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver 1:1 and small-group therapeutic sessions with children and young people.
- Company: Beyond Limits Learning & Wellbeing Ltd, a supportive and innovative therapeutic provision.
- Benefits: Freelance flexibility, immediate start, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied locations and activities tailored to each learner's needs.
- Why this job: Empower young people to rebuild confidence and reconnect with learning in a creative way.
- Qualifications: Experience in mentoring or direct work with children and young people is essential.
We are looking for Specialist Therapeutic Provision Mentors to deliver 1:1 and small-group sessions with children and young people who cannot currently access mainstream education. This is relationship-led, therapeutic work. It is not mainstream tutoring.
About Beyond Limits
Beyond Limits is a therapeutic Alternative Provision commissioned by Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council (via RESPECT) and Derbyshire County Council. We work from venues in Pleasley, Long Eaton, Wollaton and Ruddington, alongside home-based, community-based and outdoor provision across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and the East Midlands. Our learners are children and young people with SEND, SEMH needs, school anxiety, trauma, neurodivergence and complex presentations. Many have been out of education for months or years before reaching us. We do not see children as problems to be fixed. We look for what is underneath the presentation, what matters to them, and what will help them take the next step.
What the Role Involves
Sessions will mainly include Emotional Support, plus light academic support, Functional Skills English and Maths, GCSE pathways, PSHE, AQA Unit Award Scheme work, preparation for adulthood and life skills. They may also involve cooking, fishing, sport, boxing, gym work, art, music, outdoor learning, community access, travel training, budgeting or creative projects. Sessions take place in learners' homes, at our venues, in cafes, parks, libraries, gyms, allotments, fishing venues, outdoor spaces and community settings. The location is chosen around the learner, not for adult convenience. Practitioners will be required to provide mentor-led transport so learners can safely access venues, community activities and gradual transitions. This is a freelance, self-employed position. Sessions are typically 3 hours. This is an immediate start for the right candidates.
What We Are Looking For
You will need to be emotionally intelligent, practical, reliable and able to connect with young people who may not make that easy at first. You should be able to stay calm under pressure, de-escalate without entering power struggles, hold boundaries without becoming punitive, adapt sessions on the day, read behaviour as communication and work independently while staying connected to the management team. Strong candidates may come from backgrounds including mentoring, coaching, youth work, sports coaching, Alternative Provision, SEND, SEMH, mainstream teaching, tutoring, residential care, social care, behaviour support, boxing, outdoor education, art, music, creative practice, cooking, mechanics, construction or other practical skills work with young people. Some of the best people for this work are youth workers, sports coaches, mentors, creative practitioners, experienced TAs, care workers, outdoor educators or people with strong professional experience of working safely with children and young people. Attitude, emotional maturity, creativity and the ability to build relationships matter just as much as qualifications.
Essential Requirements
- Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service (must be in place before starting)
- Full UK driving licence with access to your own vehicle
- Business-use motor insurance (you will be transporting children)
- Experience in at least one of: mentoring, coaching, role modelling or direct work with children and young people
- Up-to-date safeguarding training
- Strong professional boundaries and a learner-centred, non-judgemental approach
This Role Is Not For Everyone
This is not worksheet delivery. It is not suited to anyone who needs every learner to be compliant before they can engage, or who relies on control, fear or punishment to manage a session. If you are looking for easy hours with easy learners, this is not the right role. If you want to use your skills, experience and personality to help young people rebuild confidence, reconnect with learning and begin to see a future for themselves, we would like to hear from you.
Therapeutic Mentor employer: Beyond Limits Learning and Wellbeing
Beyond Limits Learning & Wellbeing Ltd is an exceptional employer that prioritises the emotional and educational needs of children and young people who face barriers to mainstream education. With a strong focus on relationship-led, therapeutic work, our team enjoys a supportive and collaborative work culture that values creativity and personal growth. We offer flexible working arrangements across various community settings in the East Midlands, providing unique opportunities for mentors to make a meaningful impact while developing their professional skills in a rewarding environment.
Contact Details:
Beyond Limits Learning and Wellbeing Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Therapeutic Mentor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Beyond Limits. Understand their mission and values, especially how they support children with SEND and SEMH needs. This will help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling! Think about your past experiences working with young people and how you’ve made a difference in their lives. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your emotional intelligence and ability to build relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your flexibility! In this role, you’ll need to adapt sessions on the fly. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully adjusted your approach in previous roles to meet the needs of different learners.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Beyond Limits team and making a real impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Therapeutic Mentor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about working with young people.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Therapeutic Mentor. Mention specific examples from your background that demonstrate your emotional intelligence and ability to connect with young people.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; show us how they apply to this role. Whether it’s mentoring, coaching, or creative practices, give us a glimpse into how you’ve used these skills in real-life situations to support young people.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Beyond Limits Learning and Wellbeing
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Therapeutic Mentor inside out. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children and young people with SEND and SEMH challenges. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their approach to relationship-led, therapeutic work.
✨Show Emotional Intelligence
During the interview, demonstrate your emotional intelligence by sharing examples of how you've connected with young people in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to de-escalate conflicts and maintain boundaries without being punitive. This is crucial for the role, so be ready to discuss real-life scenarios.
✨Be Adaptable
The role requires flexibility, so be prepared to discuss how you've adapted your approach in previous roles. Whether it’s changing session plans on the fly or using creative methods to engage learners, showcasing your adaptability will impress the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their methods for supporting learners with complex needs or how they measure success in their sessions. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is right for you.
