At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in overcoming barriers and achieving their potential.
- Company: Specialist school dedicated to Social, Emotional and Mental Health support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or young people, especially in SEMH or behavioural support.
Are you passionate about supporting young people to overcome barriers and achieve their potential? We're looking for a caring, resilient and proactive Pastoral Support Assistant / Behaviour Mentor to join our specialist school supporting students aged 7–16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Working alongside our experienced team, you'll build positive relationships, support behaviour and emotional regulation, and help create a safe, structured environment where every pupil can thrive.
We're looking for someone who:
- Has experience working with children or young people (SEMH, SEND or behavioural support desirable).
- Is calm, patient and confident managing challenging behaviour.
- Can build strong, trusting relationships with pupils.
- Is a positive role model with excellent communication skills.
- Is committed to safeguarding and making a genuine difference.
What we offer:
- Salary: £28,000–£32,000 (depending on experience)
- Full-time, permanent position.
- Supportive and welcoming staff team.
- Ongoing training and career development.
- The opportunity to positively impact the lives of young people every day.
Start Date: September 2026 (or earlier for the right candidate). Interviews will be arranged as applications are received, so early applications are encouraged.
Connex Education Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and candidates to share this commitment. We adhere to Safer Recruitment practices in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, and other relevant legislation. All appointments are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Behaviour Mentor/ Pastoral Manager in Walsall
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Connex Education.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Connex Education!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Connex Education, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Connex Education or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Behaviour Mentor/ Pastoral Manager in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Connex Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Connex Education! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connex Education
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
