At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with additional needs and promote their learning and emotional development.
- Company: Highly regarded independent specialist school in Calderdale.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, excellent training, and a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Flexible start date and potential for permanent position.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference in children's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or young people with additional needs is essential.
The predicted salary is between 22950 - 28050 £ per year.
- Specialist Learning Mentor (SEMH & Additional Needs)
- Start
- Date: September 2026 (or flexible for the right candidate)
- Make a Lasting Difference Every Day
Do you have the patience, resilience and compassion to help young people overcome barriers to learning?
We are recruiting on behalf of a highly regarded independent specialist school in Calderdale for a Specialist Learning Mentor to join their dedicated team.
This is an exciting opportunity to support children and young people who require a nurturing, structured and therapeutic approach to education.
Whether you have experience in education, youth work, residential care, mental health, social care or behaviour support, this could be the perfect next step in your career.
About the Setting
This specialist provision supports pupils aged8–19 with a range of additional needs, including:
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
- ADHD
- Communication and interaction difficulties
- Trauma and attachment needs
- Barriers to learning resulting from previous educational experiences
The school offers small class sizes, a therapeutic approach and a strong emphasis on building positive relationships, enabling every young person to develop academically, socially and emotionally.
The Role
As a Specialist Learning Mentor, you will
- Build positive, trusting relationships with students to promote engagement and confidence.
- Support learning within the classroom alongside teaching staff.
- Provide 1:1 and small group interventions tailored to individual needs.
- Use positive behaviour strategies to support emotional regulation and de-escalate challenging situations.
- Encourage independence, resilience and social development.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and pastoral staff to achieve the best outcomes for each student.
- Help create a safe, consistent and nurturing learning environment.
We Are Looking For Someone Who
- Has experience supporting children or young people with additional needs, challenging behaviour or SEMH.
- Is calm, patient and resilient under pressure.
- Can build strong professional relationships with young people who may struggle to trust adults.
- Understands that behaviour is a form of communication.
- Is passionate about making a genuine difference in children’s lives.
- Is flexible, proactive and committed to safeguarding.
Experience That Would Be Highly Relevant
We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in
- Teaching Assistant
- Learning Support Assistant
- Behaviour Mentor
- Youth Worker
- Residential Childcare
- Support Worker
- Care Worker
- Sports Coach
- Psychology Graduate
- Criminology Graduate
- Mental Health Support
- Alternative Provision
- PRU
- SEND Education
Why Apply?
- Full-time role with September 2026 start (or earlier/later for the right candidate).
- Long-term opportunity with the potential to become permanent.
- Excellent training and ongoing professional development.
- Supportive leadership team and experienced staff.
- Small class sizes allowing you to build meaningful relationships with students.
- A genuinely rewarding role where no two days are the same.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Specialist Learning Mentor employer: Engage Partners Limited
Engage Partners Limited is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their career in education, particularly as a Primary Teaching Assistant Apprentice in Dartford. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers a fully funded Level 3 Apprenticeship, comprehensive training, and mentoring, all within a supportive work culture that values learning and development. This role not only allows you to earn while you learn but also provides a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in children's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Learning Mentor
✨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 Engage Partners Limited.
✨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 Engage Partners Limited!
✨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 Engage Partners Limited, 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 Engage Partners Limited 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 Specialist Learning Mentor
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 Engage Partners Limited:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Engage Partners Limited! 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 Engage Partners Limited
✨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.
